PADSpace Launch Complex 2W
SITEVandenberg SFB, CA, USA →ORBITElliptical Orbit
TYPEGovernment/Top Secret
MISSION OVERVIEW
Star-Rad (Starfish Radiation) was a military scientific payload to study the artificial radiation belts created by the Starfish-Prime nuclear test.
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Thor Agena DAGENCY
United States Air ForceMISSION
Star-Rad
MISSION TYPE
Government/Top Secret
TARGET ORBIT
Elliptical Orbit
LAUNCH PAD
Space Launch Complex 2WLAUNCH SITE
Vandenberg SFB, CA, USACOUNTRY
USA
LAUNCH TIME VERIFICATION
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: 6f03bba1-d83f-4491-b628-57dabb73d1fb
Reported date: Oct 26, 1962 at 16:14 UTC
Last synced: 16 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 | Star-Rad launch?
The Thor Agena D | Star-Rad is scheduled for Friday, October 26, 1962 at 4:14 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 Star-Rad?
The Thor Agena D | Star-Rad 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 | Star-Rad launching from?
The launch takes place from Space Launch Complex 2W at Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA.
What orbit is Star-Rad going to?
The Star-Rad mission is targeting Elliptical Orbit.
Who is launching Star-Rad?
The Thor Agena D | Star-Rad is operated by United States Air Force.
Can I watch the Thor Agena D | Star-Rad 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 26, 1962 at 16:14 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: 16 minutes ago
●Launch Library 216 minutes ago
Launch ID: 6f03bba1-d83f-4491-b628-57dabb73d1fb
●Open-Meteo Weather1 day ago
Pad weather at 34.76, -120.62
Mission Profile
Star-Rad was a Thor Agena D mission operated by United States Air Force that lifted off from Space Launch Complex 2W, Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA on October 26, 1962. The flight carried its payload on a government/top secret mission to Elliptical Orbit. The launch was a success.