UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
Thor Agena A | Discoverer 15
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Sep 13, 1960 at 22:13 UTC
▸ Flight profile›
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PADSpace Launch Complex 1E
SITEVandenberg SFB, CA, USA →ORBITLow Earth Orbit
TYPEGovernment/Top Secret
MISSION OVERVIEW
Discoverer 15 was an American optical reconnaissance satellite. The orbital mission was successful but when the capsule was returned it failed to be captured and sank into the ocean.
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Thor Agena AAGENCY
United States Air ForceMISSION
Discoverer 15
MISSION TYPE
Government/Top Secret
TARGET ORBIT
Low Earth Orbit
LAUNCH PAD
Space Launch Complex 1ELAUNCH SITE
Vandenberg SFB, CA, USACOUNTRY
USA
LAUNCH TIME VERIFICATION
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: 4a0e330d-c75a-433b-ad2e-f0be2ed9a018
Reported date: Sep 13, 1960 at 22:13 UTC
Last synced: 3 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 Agena A →
MANUFACTURER
McDonnell Douglas
VARIANT
Agena A
FLIGHTS
15
SUCCESSES
9
SUCCESS RATE
60%
Thor-Agena was a series of orbital launch vehicles. The rockets used Thor first stages and Agena second stages. They are thus cousins of the more-famous Thor-Deltas, which founded the Delta rocket family.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the Thor Agena A | Discoverer 15 launch?
The Thor Agena A | Discoverer 15 is scheduled for Tuesday, September 13, 1960 at 10:13 PM UTC. This is the NET (No Earlier Than) time and may be subject to change. Current status: SUCCESS.
What rocket is being used for Discoverer 15?
The Thor Agena A | Discoverer 15 mission uses the Thor Agena A rocket, manufactured by McDonnell Douglas. The Thor Agena A has flown 15 times with a 60% success rate.
Where is the Thor Agena A | Discoverer 15 launching from?
The launch takes place from Space Launch Complex 1E at Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA.
What orbit is Discoverer 15 going to?
The Discoverer 15 mission is targeting Low Earth Orbit.
Who is launching Discoverer 15?
The Thor Agena A | Discoverer 15 is operated by United States Air Force.
Can I watch the Thor Agena A | Discoverer 15 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 13, 1960 at 22:13 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: 3 minutes ago
●Launch Library 23 minutes ago
Launch ID: 4a0e330d-c75a-433b-ad2e-f0be2ed9a018
●Open-Meteo Weather22 hours ago
Pad weather at 34.76, -120.63
Mission Profile
Discoverer 15 was a Thor Agena A mission operated by United States Air Force that lifted off from Space Launch Complex 1E, Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA on September 13, 1960. The flight carried its payload on a government/top secret mission to Low Earth Orbit. The launch was a success.