Skynet 1B / Delta 80 (Internet photo)
Date: 19 August 1970
Time: 12:11 GMT
My age: 5
My vantage point: Roadside of Florida S.R. 401, near Cape Canaveral Air Force Station south gate
Spacecraft: Skynet 1B communications satellite
Launch vehicle: Delta M #80
Launch memories: Sunny Florida morning alongside the busy highway leading to Cape Canaveral Air Force Station south gate. My Mom, Dad, two older brothers and I watched this launch from our 1967 Chevrolet Bel Air station wagon, the Blue Goose. Dad, as always, monitored the launch on his 5-band portable radio. (There were no portable cellular devices or WiFi in those days.)
The Delta M booster was thrust-augmented. It's Thor missile-derived core stage was enhanced with three strap-on solid rocket motors. From this relatively close distance to Launch Complex 17A, the flight "uphill" was very impressive, especially to a youngster like me.
Delta M performed flawlessly, placing Skynet 1B into an initial transfer orbit. Unfortunately, the satellite's internal rocket motor failed to place it in a usable, geosynchronous orbit.
© 2026 Joseph Holloway