Missile Atlas 52D Test code named Chain Smoke ready for launch by the Strategic Air Command (SAC) from pad 576 B-3 at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California The missile takes off and begins its flight upward. At TC:01:49 some white smoke emanates from the missile and it is seen to be burning. A moment later it explodes in a huge fireball with pieces ejected trailing white smoke. The camera tracks the largest piece as it falls and crashes behind a ridge at the shoreline (likely into the water). Various vehicles are seen along fence line at secure area set back from the shoreline. (Note: The booster gas generator experienced a leak which resulted in high thrust section temperatures and eventual propulsion system failure. The sustainer and verniers shut down 49 seconds into launch, followed by the booster engines at 68 seconds. The missile destroyed itself at 72 seconds.)
Vanguard Satellite Vehicle Launch, test number 438, at Patrick Air Force Base, Florida. View of gantry crane around the Missile and fueling trucks in the foreground. Man on gantry compartment, works on the Missile. The crane moves away from missile. Martin technicians work on Vanguard Missile. Vapor emitted from center of missile. Men install an access door. Vanguard Missile launches from the launch pad and advances upward.
Vanguard Satellite Vehicle Launch, test number 438 at Patrick Air Force Base, Florida. View of gantry crane around the Missile. Vanguard Missile ready to launch from launch pad. The missile takes off and advances upward.
Atlas 3B Missile launch, test number 1564, from Patrick Air Force Base, Florida. Missile takes off from launch pad with smoke at launch site. View of gantry crane in the background. Water sprayed on launch pad after missile launch.
Atlas 3B Missile launch, test number 1564, from Patrick Air Force Base, Florida. Missile takes off from launch pad with smoke at launch site. Atlas Missile explodes mid flight. Missile part falls on ground.
Atlas 3B Missile launch, test number 1564, from Patrick Air Force Base, Florida. Atlas Missile takes off from launch pad and advances upward. Missile explodes mid flight leaving black smoke in air. Missile part falls on ground. (Note: This was the first launch of an Atlas B missile and the first Atlas to have an operating sustainer engine and detachable booster section. The launch failed due to human error; ground crews accidentally left the gyroscope spin motors powered off so the missile went out of control as soon as the pitch and roll maneuver started. Range Safety sent the destruct command 56 seconds after launch. The flight was considered a partial success because all other missile systems functioned properly until destruction.)
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