UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
Delta II | Thor II
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May 20, 1997 at 22:39 UTC
▸ Flight profile›
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PADSpace Launch Complex 17A
SITECape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA →ORBITGeostationary Orbit
TYPECommunications
MISSION OVERVIEW
In November 1995, Hughes was awarded the contract for Thor 2, a high-powered version of Hughes’ spin-stabilized HS-376 model. Thor 2 was successfully launched in May 1997.
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Delta IIAGENCY
United States Air ForceMISSION
Thor II
MISSION TYPE
Communications
TARGET ORBIT
Geostationary Orbit
LAUNCH PAD
Space Launch Complex 17ALAUNCH SITE
Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USACOUNTRY
USA
LAUNCH TIME VERIFICATION
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: b910e1c9-e875-45a7-a9b7-9a88fbf24efd
Reported date: May 20, 1997 at 22:39 UTC
Last synced: 2 seconds ago
This launch date and time are confirmed by the launch provider. Countdown is active.
LAUNCH MAP
PAD WEATHER
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VEHICLE — Delta II →
MANUFACTURER
United Launch Alliance
VARIANT
7925
FLIGHTS
36
SUCCESSES
34
SUCCESS RATE
94.4%
Delta II is an American space launch system developed by McDonnell Douglas, now part of the Delta rocket family operated by United Launch Alliance. With more than 150 missions and a nearly perfect track record, Delta II has established itself as one of the most successful orbital launch systems.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the Delta II | Thor II launch?
The Delta II | Thor II is scheduled for Tuesday, May 20, 1997 at 10:39 PM UTC. This is the NET (No Earlier Than) time and may be subject to change. Current status: SUCCESS.
What rocket is being used for Thor II?
The Delta II | Thor II mission uses the Delta II rocket, manufactured by United Launch Alliance. The Delta II has flown 36 times with a 94.4% success rate.
Where is the Delta II | Thor II launching from?
The launch takes place from Space Launch Complex 17A at Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA.
What orbit is Thor II going to?
The Thor II mission is targeting Geostationary Orbit.
Who is launching Thor II?
The Delta II | Thor II is operated by United States Air Force.
Can I watch the Delta II | Thor II launch live?
Yes. Visit the launch detail page on Space Launch Live for embedded YouTube webcasts, replay videos, and links to live coverage from SpaceX, NASA, NASASpaceflight, and other channels.
LAUNCH TIMELINE
Mar 29, 2026 01:15 UTC
Launch added to tracker
Imported from Launch Library 2 API
Mar 29, 2026 01:15 UTC
Launch date set: May 20, 1997 at 22:39 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by United States Air Force
Mar 29, 2026 01:15 UTC
Launch completed successfully
Updated via Launch Library 2
LIVE DATA SOURCES
Last data sync: 2 seconds ago
●Launch Library 22 seconds ago
Launch ID: b910e1c9-e875-45a7-a9b7-9a88fbf24efd
●Open-Meteo Weather3 days ago
Pad weather at 28.45, -80.57
Mission Profile
Thor II was a Delta II 7925 mission operated by United States Air Force that lifted off from Space Launch Complex 17A, Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA on May 20, 1997. The flight carried its payload on a communications mission to Geostationary Orbit. The launch was a success.