Atlas SLV-3/ATDA direct-ascent launch vehicle

Atlas SLV-3/ATDA was the special direct-ascent Atlas configuration prepared after the Gemini IX Agena target vehicle was lost. Air Force launch vehicle TLV-5304 was modified from a standard Atlas SLV-3 to place NASA's Augmented Target Docking Adapter directly into orbit on 1966-06-01; the launch vehicle performed successfully, although the target's payload shroud failed to separate.