MISSION OVERVIEW
The first pioneer orbiter, pioneer 0 was a lunar orbiter intended to enter a lunar orbit for observation. However, the mission failed 77 seconds into launch.
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Thor Able IMISSION
Able I (Pioneer)
MISSION TYPE
Lunar Exploration
TARGET ORBIT
Lunar 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: 5408eda7-a3cc-48d2-9a62-e77a3cf86bc1
Reported date: Aug 17, 1958 at 12:18 UTC
Last synced: 20 minutes ago
This launch date and time are confirmed by the launch provider. Countdown is active.
LAUNCH MAP
PAD WEATHER
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VEHICLE — Thor Able I →
MANUFACTURER
McDonnell Douglas
VARIANT
Able I
FLIGHTS
3
SUCCESSES
1
SUCCESS RATE
33.3%
American orbital launch vehicle. Thor with Able stage derived from Vanguard second stage.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the Thor Able I | Able I (Pioneer) launch?
The Thor Able I | Able I (Pioneer) is scheduled for Sunday, August 17, 1958 at 12:18 PM UTC. This is the NET (No Earlier Than) time and may be subject to change. Current status: FAILURE.
What rocket is being used for Able I (Pioneer)?
The Thor Able I | Able I (Pioneer) mission uses the Thor Able I rocket, manufactured by McDonnell Douglas. The Thor Able I has flown 3 times with a 33.3% success rate.
Where is the Thor Able I | Able I (Pioneer) launching from?
The launch takes place from Space Launch Complex 17A at Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA.
What orbit is Able I (Pioneer) going to?
The Able I (Pioneer) mission is targeting Lunar Orbit.
Who is launching Able I (Pioneer)?
The Thor Able I | Able I (Pioneer) is operated by Army Ballistic Missile Agency.
Can I watch the Thor Able I | Able I (Pioneer) 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: Aug 17, 1958 at 12:18 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by Army Ballistic Missile Agency
Mar 28, 2026 20:12 UTC
Launch failure reported
Updated via Launch Library 2
LIVE DATA SOURCES
Last data sync: 20 minutes ago
●Launch Library 220 minutes ago
Launch ID: 5408eda7-a3cc-48d2-9a62-e77a3cf86bc1
●Open-Meteo Weather1 hour ago
Pad weather at 28.45, -80.57
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