UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
Thor Able II | Transit 1A
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Sep 17, 1959 at 14:34 UTC
▸ Flight profile›
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MISSION OVERVIEW
The Transit satellite system was the first satellite navigation system to be used operationally. The system was used to provide accurate location for the US Navy ships. Transit 1A failed to make orbit.
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Thor Able IIAGENCY
United States Air ForceMISSION
Transit 1A
MISSION TYPE
Navigation
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: 3587bc21-73f7-4668-b388-5f0840c6064f
Reported date: Sep 17, 1959 at 14:34 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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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 | Transit 1A launch?
The Thor Able II | Transit 1A is scheduled for Thursday, September 17, 1959 at 2:34 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 Transit 1A?
The Thor Able II | Transit 1A 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 | Transit 1A launching from?
The launch takes place from Space Launch Complex 17A at Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA.
What orbit is Transit 1A going to?
The Transit 1A mission is targeting Low Earth Orbit.
Who is launching Transit 1A?
The Thor Able II | Transit 1A is operated by United States Air Force.
Can I watch the Thor Able II | Transit 1A 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: Sep 17, 1959 at 14:34 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by United States Air Force
Mar 28, 2026 20:12 UTC
Launch failure reported
Updated via Launch Library 2
LIVE DATA SOURCES
Last data sync: 2 minutes ago
●Launch Library 22 minutes ago
Launch ID: 3587bc21-73f7-4668-b388-5f0840c6064f
●Open-Meteo Weather5 days ago
Pad weather at 28.45, -80.57
Mission Profile
Transit 1A 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 September 17, 1959. The flight carried its payload on a navigation mission to Low Earth Orbit. The launch ended in failure.