UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
Thor Delta A | Explorer 15
—
—
Oct 27, 1962 at 23:15 UTC
▸ Flight profile›
Initializing Launch Globe…
MISSION OVERVIEW
Explorer 15 was instrumented to study the artificial radiation belt produced by the Starfish high-altitude nuclear burst of July 1962. The backup payload for Explorer 14 was modified and used for Explorer 15.
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Thor Delta AAGENCY
United States Air ForceMISSION
Explorer 15
MISSION TYPE
Earth Science
TARGET ORBIT
Elliptical Orbit
LAUNCH PAD
Space Launch Complex 17BLAUNCH SITE
Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USACOUNTRY
USA
LAUNCH TIME VERIFICATION
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: a940f71e-fbe7-471e-babe-bbcc8b067b0c
Reported date: Oct 27, 1962 at 23:15 UTC
Last synced: 46 seconds 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 Delta A →
MANUFACTURER
McDonnell Douglas
VARIANT
Delta A
FLIGHTS
2
SUCCESSES
2
SUCCESS RATE
100%
American orbital launch vehicle family with Thor first stage and a delta second stage.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the Thor Delta A | Explorer 15 launch?
The Thor Delta A | Explorer 15 is scheduled for Saturday, October 27, 1962 at 11:15 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 Explorer 15?
The Thor Delta A | Explorer 15 mission uses the Thor Delta A rocket, manufactured by McDonnell Douglas. The Thor Delta A has flown 2 times with a 100% success rate.
Where is the Thor Delta A | Explorer 15 launching from?
The launch takes place from Space Launch Complex 17B at Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA.
What orbit is Explorer 15 going to?
The Explorer 15 mission is targeting Elliptical Orbit.
Who is launching Explorer 15?
The Thor Delta A | Explorer 15 is operated by United States Air Force.
Can I watch the Thor Delta A | Explorer 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: Oct 27, 1962 at 23:15 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: 46 seconds ago
●Launch Library 246 seconds ago
Launch ID: a940f71e-fbe7-471e-babe-bbcc8b067b0c
●Open-Meteo Weather2 days ago
Pad weather at 28.45, -80.57
Mission Profile
Explorer 15 was a Thor Delta A mission operated by United States Air Force that lifted off from Space Launch Complex 17B, Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA on October 27, 1962. The flight carried its payload on a earth science mission to Elliptical Orbit. The launch was a success.