MISSION OVERVIEW
The BE (Beacon Explorer) satellites provided Laser reflectors for geodetic measurements as well measured the electron density in the ionosphere.
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Thor Delta BAGENCY
United States Air ForceMISSION
Beacon Explorer A
MISSION TYPE
Earth Science
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: bfb61041-61a8-4787-aace-a85b036f0ad9
Reported date: Mar 19, 1964 at 11:13 UTC
Last synced: 11 seconds 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 Delta B →
MANUFACTURER
McDonnell Douglas
VARIANT
Delta B
FLIGHTS
9
SUCCESSES
8
SUCCESS RATE
88.9%
American orbital launch vehicle family with Thor first stage and a delta second stage.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the Thor Delta B | Beacon Explorer A launch?
The Thor Delta B | Beacon Explorer A is scheduled for Thursday, March 19, 1964 at 11:13 AM UTC. This is the NET (No Earlier Than) time and may be subject to change. Current status: FAILURE.
What rocket is being used for Beacon Explorer A?
The Thor Delta B | Beacon Explorer A mission uses the Thor Delta B rocket, manufactured by McDonnell Douglas. The Thor Delta B has flown 9 times with a 88.9% success rate.
Where is the Thor Delta B | Beacon Explorer A launching from?
The launch takes place from Space Launch Complex 17A at Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA.
What orbit is Beacon Explorer A going to?
The Beacon Explorer A mission is targeting Low Earth Orbit.
Who is launching Beacon Explorer A?
The Thor Delta B | Beacon Explorer A is operated by United States Air Force.
Can I watch the Thor Delta B | Beacon Explorer A 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 20:13 UTC
Launch added to tracker
Imported from Launch Library 2 API
Mar 28, 2026 20:13 UTC
Launch date set: Mar 19, 1964 at 11:13 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by United States Air Force
Mar 28, 2026 20:13 UTC
Launch failure reported
Updated via Launch Library 2
LIVE DATA SOURCES
Last data sync: 11 seconds ago
●Launch Library 211 seconds ago
Launch ID: bfb61041-61a8-4787-aace-a85b036f0ad9
●Open-Meteo Weather4 hours ago
Pad weather at 28.45, -80.57
