The Centaur is a family of rocket-propelled upper stages that has been in use since 1962. It is currently produced by United Launch Alliance (ULA) in two main versions. The 3.05 m (10 ft) diameter Centaur III (also known as the Common Centaur) serves as the second stage of the retiring Atlas V rocket, and the 5.4 m (17.7 ft) diameter Centaur V is used as the second stage of the Vulcan Centaur rocket. Centaur was the first rocket stage to use hydrolox propellant—liquid hydrogen (LH2) and liquid oxygen (LOX)—a high-energy combination well suited for upper stages but difficult to handle because both propellants must be stored at extremely low cryogenic temperatures.
1st Atlas Centaur Launch
The Centaur is a family of rocket-propelled upper stages that has been in use since 1962. It is currently produced by United Launch Alliance (ULA) in two main versions.
Historical Significance
The Centaur is a family of rocket-propelled upper stages that has been in use since 1962.
Events Before
Gabrielle Carteris is born
Gabrielle Carteris is born
Longest recorded strike ends as Danish barbers' assistants end their 33-year strike
Longest recorded strike ends as Danish barbers' assistants end their 33-year strike
Berry Gordy signs The Supremes to Motown Records
The Supremes were an American girl group formed in Detroit, Michigan, in 1959 as the Primettes.
First live, nationally televised presidential news conference, held by JFK
First live, nationally televised presidential news conference, held by JFK
"I Fall to Pieces" single released by Patsy Cline (Billboard Song of the Year 1961)
"I Fall to Pieces" is a song written by Hank Cochran and Harlan Howard that was originally recorded by Patsy Cline.
Events After
Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" Speech
Martin Luther King Jr. delivers his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, calling for an end to racism in the United States.
David Cone is born
David Cone athlete, known for american baseball player and analyst, was born on 1963-01-02.
American banker George Woods succeeds Eugene Black as president of the World Bank
George David Woods (July 27, 1901 – August 20, 1982) was an American investment banker and financier. He served as the fourth President of the World Bank, from January 1963 until March 1968.
Beatles release the single "Please Please Me" / "Ask Me Why"; peaks at #2 in UK, and #3 in US
Introducing... The Beatles is the first studio album released by the English rock band the Beatles in the United States.
Los Angeles night club and music venue The Whiskey A-Go-Go opens (inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2006)
The Yardbirds are an English rock band formed in London in 1963. The band started the careers of three of rock's most famous guitarists: Eric Clapton (1963–1965), Jeff Beck (1965–1966) and Jimmy Page...
More from the 1960s
Apollo 11 Moon Landing
NASA's Apollo 11 mission successfully lands the first humans on the Moon. Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin become the first people to walk on the lunar surface.
space exploration
Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" Speech
Martin Luther King Jr. delivers his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, calling for an end to racism in the United States.
civil rightspolitics government
birth
Tommy Morrison is born
Tommy Morrison, American professional boxer, known for american boxer, was born on 1969-01-02.
birth
Gabrielle Carteris is born
Gabrielle Carteris is born
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened on May 8, 1962?
- The Centaur is a family of rocket-propelled upper stages that has been in use since 1962. It is currently produced by United Launch Alliance (ULA) in two main versions. The 3.05 m (10 ft) diameter Centaur III (also known as the Common Centaur) serves as the second stage of the retiring Atlas V rocket, and the 5.4 m (17.7 ft) diameter Centaur V is used as the second stage of the Vulcan Centaur rocket.
- Why is 1st Atlas Centaur Launch significant?
- The Centaur is a family of rocket-propelled upper stages that has been in use since 1962.