NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION
Juno II | Pioneer 3
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Dec 6, 1958 at 05:44 UTC
▸ Flight profile›
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MISSION OVERVIEW
Pioneer 3 was a spin-stabilized spacecraft intended as a lunar probe but failed to perform a lunar flyby as planned. Its mission was revised to measure radiation in the outer Van Allen radiation belts.
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Juno IIMISSION
Pioneer 3
MISSION TYPE
Lunar Exploration
TARGET ORBIT
Lunar flyby
LAUNCH PAD
Launch Complex 5LAUNCH SITE
Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USACOUNTRY
USA
LAUNCH TIME VERIFICATION
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: e83eac3f-29eb-4fac-b826-247261bd170d
Reported date: Dec 6, 1958 at 05:44 UTC
Last synced: 2 minutes ago
This launch date and time are confirmed by the launch provider. Countdown is active.
LAUNCH MAP
PAD WEATHER
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DEEP SPACE PROBE →
Juno
Jupiter
NASA / JPLOPERATOR
OrbiterTYPE
5.2722 AUFROM SUN
EXTENDED MISSION
VEHICLE — Juno II →
MANUFACTURER
Army Ballistic Missile Agency
FLIGHTS
10
SUCCESSES
5
SUCCESS RATE
50%
Juno II was an American space launch vehicle used during the late 1950s and early 1960s. It was derived from the Jupiter missile, which was used as the first stage.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the Juno II | Pioneer 3 launch?
The Juno II | Pioneer 3 is scheduled for Saturday, December 6, 1958 at 5:44 AM UTC. This is the NET (No Earlier Than) time and may be subject to change. Current status: SUCCESS.
What rocket is being used for Pioneer 3?
The Juno II | Pioneer 3 mission uses the Juno II rocket, manufactured by Army Ballistic Missile Agency. The Juno II has flown 10 times with a 50% success rate.
Where is the Juno II | Pioneer 3 launching from?
The launch takes place from Launch Complex 5 at Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA.
What orbit is Pioneer 3 going to?
The Pioneer 3 mission is targeting Lunar flyby.
Who is launching Pioneer 3?
The Juno II | Pioneer 3 is operated by National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
Can I watch the Juno II | Pioneer 3 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 28, 2026 20:12 UTC
Launch added to tracker
Imported from Launch Library 2 API
Mar 28, 2026 20:12 UTC
Launch date set: Dec 6, 1958 at 05:44 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Mar 28, 2026 20:12 UTC
Launch completed successfully
Updated via Launch Library 2
LIVE DATA SOURCES
Last data sync: 2 minutes ago
●Launch Library 22 minutes ago
Launch ID: e83eac3f-29eb-4fac-b826-247261bd170d
●Open-Meteo Weather4 days ago
Pad weather at 28.44, -80.57
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Mission Profile
Pioneer 3 was a Juno II mission operated by National Aeronautics and Space Administration that lifted off from Launch Complex 5, Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA on December 6, 1958. The flight carried its payload on a lunar exploration mission to Lunar flyby. The launch was a success.