April 20, 1967 1:35 am

PRIME 3

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Atlas SLV-3

Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA
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April 20, 1967 1:35 am

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Last Updated:

2026-07-13 18:11:38

The Martin X-23 PRIME (Precision Recovery Including Maneuvering Entry) was a small uncrewed lifting body re-entry vehicle tested by the United States Air Force in the late 1960s. PRIME 3 mission was flown on 19 April 1967 and simulated reentry from low-earth orbit with a 1143 km cross-range. This time, all systems performed perfectly, and the X-23 was successfully recovered.
Launch Overview
Window Open 01:35 UTC
Window Close 01:35 UTC
Lift Off Apr 20, 1967 · 01:35 UTC
Launch Facility Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA
Launch Pad Space Launch Complex 3E
Target Orbit Suborbital
Payload Overview
Customer United States Air Force
Payload PRIME 3
Rocket Atlas SLV-3
Destination Suborbital
Recovery Overview
Landing Location See Mission Notes
Landing Type RTLS / Droneship
The Martin X-23 PRIME (Precision Recovery Including Maneuvering Entry) was a small uncrewed lifting body re-entry vehicle tested by the United States Air Force in the late 1960s. PRIME 3 mission was flown on 19 April 1967 and simulated reentry from low-earth orbit with a 1143 km cross-range. This time, all systems performed perfectly, and the X-23 was successfully recovered.

Height

LEO Payload

Total Launches

Status

United States Air Force
Space Launch Complex 3E
Launch Overview
Window Open 01:35 UTC
Window Close 01:35 UTC
Lift Off Apr 20, 1967 · 01:35 UTC
Launch Facility Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA
Launch Pad Space Launch Complex 3E
Target Orbit Suborbital
Payload Overview
Customer United States Air Force
Payload PRIME 3
Rocket Atlas SLV-3
Destination Suborbital
Recovery Overview
Landing Location See Mission Notes
Landing Type RTLS / Droneship

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