UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
Thor Able II | Tiros 1
—
—
Apr 1, 1960 at 11:40 UTC
▸ Flight profile›
Initializing Launch Globe…
MISSION OVERVIEW
TIROS-1 was the first successful low-Earth orbital weather satellite, and the first of a series of Television Infrared Observation Satellites.
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Thor Able IIAGENCY
United States Air ForceMISSION
Tiros 1
MISSION TYPE
Earth Science
TARGET ORBIT
Low Earth 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: b5b8946b-8471-4fa2-b63f-d3aaf84607bb
Reported date: Apr 1, 1960 at 11:40 UTC
Last synced: 14 minutes 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 II →
MANUFACTURER
McDonnell Douglas
VARIANT
Able II
FLIGHTS
2
SUCCESSES
1
SUCCESS RATE
50%
American orbital launch vehicle. Thor with Able stage derived from Vanguard second stage.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the Thor Able II | Tiros 1 launch?
The Thor Able II | Tiros 1 is scheduled for Friday, April 1, 1960 at 11:40 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 Tiros 1?
The Thor Able II | Tiros 1 mission uses the Thor Able II rocket, manufactured by McDonnell Douglas. The Thor Able II has flown 2 times with a 50% success rate.
Where is the Thor Able II | Tiros 1 launching from?
The launch takes place from Space Launch Complex 17A at Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA.
What orbit is Tiros 1 going to?
The Tiros 1 mission is targeting Low Earth Orbit.
Who is launching Tiros 1?
The Thor Able II | Tiros 1 is operated by United States Air Force.
Can I watch the Thor Able II | Tiros 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: Apr 1, 1960 at 11:40 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by United States Air Force
Mar 28, 2026 20:12 UTC
Launch completed successfully
Updated via Launch Library 2
LIVE DATA SOURCES
Last data sync: 14 minutes ago
●Launch Library 214 minutes ago
Launch ID: b5b8946b-8471-4fa2-b63f-d3aaf84607bb
●Open-Meteo Weather4 days ago
Pad weather at 28.45, -80.57
Mission Profile
Tiros 1 was a Thor Able II mission operated by United States Air Force that lifted off from Space Launch Complex 17A, Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA on April 1, 1960. The flight carried its payload on a earth science mission to Low Earth Orbit. The launch was a success.