Classic Atlas/Titan Update

After two February launches, only five "heritage" U.S.
ICBM-based (Atlas or Titan) launch vehicles remain as of
February 15, 2004. Four of these five are expected to fly
by the end of the year 2004. The last should lift off
in early 2005 (see list below).

In addition, only two derivative Atlas III boosters remain.
The last of these may fly in September 2004, ending use of
both Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 36 pads.

The Valentine's Day Titan 402B-39 launch included the 24th
and last use of an IUS upper stage (IUS-10). One IUS stage
(IUS-23) will not be flown.

If current plans hold, a Titan IV will close out the U.S.
ICBM-based booster era in February 2005.

Here is the countdown list, as of the end of 2003.

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L Atlas IIAS AC-165 AMC-10 CC SLC-36 2/05/04
L Titan 402B B-39/IUS-10 DSP-22 CC SLC-40 2/14/04

5 Atlas IIAS AC-163 Superbird 6 CC SLC-36 Apr 2004
4 Atlas IIAS AC-166 AMC-11 CC SLC-36 May 2004
3 Atlas IIAS AC-167 NRO CC SLC-36 Jun 2004
2 Titan 403B B-30 NRO CC SLC-40 Oct 2004
1 Titan 40XB B-26 NRO VAFB SLC-4E Feb 2005
--------------------------------------------------------------
0 Titan 40XB B-37 Unassigned
0 Titan 23G G-10 Unassigned

Count Vehicle ID Payload Launch Site Launch Date

--------------------------------------------------------------
L Atlas IIIB AC-203 UHF-F11 CC SLC-36B 12/18/03

2 Atlas IIIA AC-202 MBSat CC SLC-36B Mar 2004
1 Atlas IIIB AC-206 MLV-15 (NRO) CC SLC-36B Sep 2004
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CC = Cape Canaveral, FL
VA = Vandenberg, CA
L = Launched

- Ed Kyle