PADSpace Launch Complex 2E
SITEVandenberg SFB, CA, USA →ORBITLow Earth Orbit
TYPEGovernment/Top Secret
MISSION OVERVIEW
Poppy was the follow-on ELINT system, which succeeded the Grab ELINT satellite system.
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Thor Agena DAGENCY
United States Air ForceMISSION
Poppy 3A & 3B
MISSION TYPE
Government/Top Secret
TARGET ORBIT
Low Earth Orbit
LAUNCH PAD
Space Launch Complex 2ELAUNCH SITE
Vandenberg SFB, CA, USACOUNTRY
USA
LAUNCH TIME VERIFICATION
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: 193b52f6-384f-4946-bc5d-e577ac0c8a10
Reported date: Dec 13, 1962 at 04:07 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 D →
MANUFACTURER
McDonnell Douglas
VARIANT
Agena D
FLIGHTS
13
SUCCESSES
11
SUCCESS RATE
84.6%
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 D | Poppy 3A & 3B launch?
The Thor Agena D | Poppy 3A & 3B is scheduled for Thursday, December 13, 1962 at 4:07 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 Poppy 3A & 3B?
The Thor Agena D | Poppy 3A & 3B mission uses the Thor Agena D rocket, manufactured by McDonnell Douglas. The Thor Agena D has flown 13 times with a 84.6% success rate.
Where is the Thor Agena D | Poppy 3A & 3B launching from?
The launch takes place from Space Launch Complex 2E at Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA.
What orbit is Poppy 3A & 3B going to?
The Poppy 3A & 3B mission is targeting Low Earth Orbit.
Who is launching Poppy 3A & 3B?
The Thor Agena D | Poppy 3A & 3B is operated by United States Air Force.
Can I watch the Thor Agena D | Poppy 3A & 3B 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: Dec 13, 1962 at 04:07 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: 193b52f6-384f-4946-bc5d-e577ac0c8a10
●Open-Meteo Weather17 hours ago
Pad weather at 34.75, -120.62
Mission Profile
Poppy 3A & 3B was a Thor Agena D mission operated by United States Air Force that lifted off from Space Launch Complex 2E, Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA on December 13, 1962. The flight carried its payload on a government/top secret mission to Low Earth Orbit. The launch was a success.