launched fromUSA

Vanguard SLV-5

Failure
APR 14195902:49:00 UTC

A momentary delay in first stage separation caused the second stage engine to ignite while still attached to the first stage. Pressure from the engine exhaust pushed the thrust chamber to the limit of the gimbal stops, breaking them and causing loss of attitude control in flight.

launched fromLC-18ACanaveral

aboardVanguard

Payloads · 2

  • 01

    Vanguard 3A

    scientific satellite

    10.3 kg
  • 02

    Inflatable sphere

    scientific experiment