Atlas II

Update on “Start Me Up” Mission Anomaly

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, January 12, 2023

The Start Me Up mission was the first orbital launch attempt in history conducted from western Europe.

Key Points: 
  • The Start Me Up mission was the first orbital launch attempt in history conducted from western Europe.
  • The rocket then ignited its first stage engine, quickly going hypersonic and successfully completing the stage one burn.
  • Later in the mission, at an altitude of approximately 180 km, the upper stage experienced an anomaly.
  • This event ended the mission, with the rocket components and payload falling back to Earth within the approved safety corridor without ever achieving orbit.