Name: Poppy 8A,B,C,D — Thorad SLV-2G Agena D
Start: 1969-09-30T13:40:00Z
End: 1969-09-30T13:40:00Z
Location: Space Launch Complex 1W

Question 1

What rocket is launching Poppy 8A,B,C,D?

Accepted Answer

Poppy 8A,B,C,D is launching on the Thorad SLV-2G Agena D.

Question 2

Who is launching Poppy 8A,B,C,D?

Accepted Answer

Poppy 8A,B,C,D is being launched by United States Air Force, a government launch provider founded in 1947.

Question 3

Where is Poppy 8A,B,C,D launching from?

Accepted Answer

Poppy 8A,B,C,D is launching from Space Launch Complex 1W at Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA.

Question 4

What orbit is Poppy 8A,B,C,D heading to?

Accepted Answer

Poppy 8A,B,C,D is heading to Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

Question 5

Is the Thorad SLV-2G Agena D reusable?

Accepted Answer

No — the Thorad SLV-2G Agena D is an expendable launch vehicle.

Question 6

How many times has the Thorad SLV-2G Agena D flown?

Accepted Answer

The Thorad SLV-2G Agena D has launched 30 times to date, with 29 successful flights.

Question 7

What is the Poppy 8A,B,C,D mission?

Accepted Answer

Poppy was the follow-on ELINT system, which succeeded the Grab ELINT satellite system.

Question 8

Where is Vandenberg Space Force Base?

Accepted Answer

Vandenberg Space Force Base is on the central California coast near Lompoc, run by Space Launch Delta 30. It is the United States' main West Coast launch site and flew its first orbital launch in 1959.

Question 9

Which rockets launch from Vandenberg?

Accepted Answer

SpaceX flies Falcon 9 from Space Launch Complex 4E and lands boosters at the adjacent Landing Zone 4. The base hosts a range of other government and commercial launches as well.

Question 10

Why do rockets launch from Vandenberg instead of Florida?

Accepted Answer

Vandenberg's coastline lets rockets fly south over the open Pacific without crossing populated land — ideal for the polar and sun-synchronous orbits used by Earth-observation, reconnaissance and weather satellites. Florida sites favour easterly, equatorial orbits.

Question 11

Can you watch a launch from Vandenberg?

Accepted Answer

Vandenberg is an active military base with no on-base public viewing, so launches are watched from the surrounding towns and coast. The City of Lompoc, about 9 miles away, publishes a map of public viewing corridors.

Poppy 8A,B,C,D

Overview

Mission details

Launch Window

Space Launch Complex 1W

Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA

Frequently asked questions