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Launch FailureNational Aeronautics and Space Administration
Little Joe II: A-003
A-003 was the fourth abort test of the Apollo spacecraft. This particular flight is notable because during the abort test flight, an actual abort situation occurred, and further proved the Apollo launch escape system (LES). The CM was successfully pulled away from the malfunctioning Little Joe booster and it landed safely under parachutes.
Wednesday, 19 May 1965
Mission Data
🇺🇸National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationEst. 1958
Launch VehicleLittle Joe II
Vehicle FamilyLittle Joe
Vehicle Record4 of 5 launches (80%)
Provider TypeGovernment
Agency Record122 successes / 20 failures (86%)
Success Streak12 consecutive
ProgramApollo · Human Spaceflight
Mission TypeTest Flight
Target OrbitSuborbital
Launch PadLaunch Complex 36
Location🇺🇸 White Sands Missile Range USA
Agency Launches This Year#5
Launches From This Pad5
Launches From This Site5
Status Note
Either the launch vehicle did not reach orbit, or the payload(s) failed to separate.
About Little Joe II
American rocket used from 1963 to 1966 for five uncrewed suborbital tests of the Apollo spacecraft launch escape system and of the command module parachute recovery system in abort mode.
Launch Site
Launch Complex 36 · 32.4169°N 106.3219°W
Launch data from Launch Library 2 by The Space Devs.