A Titan 3 rocket today orbited four military research satellites and sped them toward lofty outposts. One of the payloads, an experimental tactical communications craft, could hasten the day when battlefield troops can talk among themselves via satellite. The four-in-one shot blasted off at 3:37 a.m. EDT to begin a space acrobatic act scheduled to last nearly 6 1/2 hours, during which the booster's last stage was to make three orbit shifts for the four satellites to spring loose into separate paths. Photo shows Titan 3 steaks orbit-ward above boathouses near Cape Kennedy.

Photo is undated.

Photo measures 9 x 7.25 inches.