SA-9
The Apollo SA-9 test flight was an unmanned mission launched on February 16, 1965.
This test of the Apollo/Saturn configuration also carried the Pegasus 1 satellite into orbit.
The Saturn 1 booster had a boilerplate Apollo Command and Service Module (CSM) and a Launch Escape System tower mounted on top.
The boilerplate CSM acted as a shroud to hold the Pegasus satellite. After first stage separation and second stage ignition, the launch escape system was jettisoned. After the second stage attained orbit, the 4500 kg CSM was jettisoned into a separate orbit. The Pegasus remained with the second stage in Earth orbit as planned and deployed its winglike panels. The Pegasus 1 was the first active payload launched by a Saturn rocket.
