MISSION OVERVIEW
The second pioneer orbiter, pioneer 1 intended to enter lunar orbit but missed the Moon after a third stage partial failure.
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Thor Able IMISSION
Pioneer 1
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: a58b6abf-6b0e-492c-8bf3-1fa586f8d4da
Reported date: Oct 11, 1958 at 08:42 UTC
Last synced: 2 hours ago
This launch date and time are confirmed by the launch provider. Countdown is active.
LAUNCH MAP
PAD WEATHER
Loading weather…
CAN YOU SEE THIS LAUNCH?
Select a location to check if this launch is visible from where you are
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 | Pioneer 1 launch?
The Thor Able I | Pioneer 1 is scheduled for Saturday, October 11, 1958 at 8:42 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 1?
The Thor Able I | Pioneer 1 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 | Pioneer 1 launching from?
The launch takes place from Space Launch Complex 17A at Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA.
What orbit is Pioneer 1 going to?
The Pioneer 1 mission is targeting Lunar Orbit.
Who is launching Pioneer 1?
The Thor Able I | Pioneer 1 is operated by Army Ballistic Missile Agency.
Can I watch the Thor Able I | Pioneer 1 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: Oct 11, 1958 at 08:42 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by Army Ballistic Missile Agency
Mar 28, 2026 20:12 UTC
Launch completed successfully
Updated via Launch Library 2
LIVE DATA SOURCES
Last data sync: 2 hours ago
●Launch Library 22 hours ago
Launch ID: a58b6abf-6b0e-492c-8bf3-1fa586f8d4da
●Open-Meteo Weather2 hours ago
Pad weather at 28.45, -80.57
BROWSE BY
