UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
Thor Delta B | Explorer 17
—
—
Apr 3, 1963 at 02:00 UTC
▸ Flight profile›
Initializing Launch Globe…
MISSION OVERVIEW
Explorer 17 carried four pressure gauges for the measurement of total neutral particle density, two mass spectrometers for the measurement of certain neutral particle concentrations, and two electrostatic probes for ion concentration and electron temperature measurements.
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Thor Delta BAGENCY
United States Air ForceMISSION
Explorer 17
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: 7691fd72-25e7-4479-9e56-7de8f8653b2e
Reported date: Apr 3, 1963 at 02:00 UTC
Last synced: 5 minutes 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 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 | Explorer 17 launch?
The Thor Delta B | Explorer 17 is scheduled for Wednesday, April 3, 1963 at 2:00 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 Explorer 17?
The Thor Delta B | Explorer 17 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 | Explorer 17 launching from?
The launch takes place from Space Launch Complex 17A at Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA.
What orbit is Explorer 17 going to?
The Explorer 17 mission is targeting Low Earth Orbit.
Who is launching Explorer 17?
The Thor Delta B | Explorer 17 is operated by United States Air Force.
Can I watch the Thor Delta B | Explorer 17 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: Apr 3, 1963 at 02:00 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: 5 minutes ago
●Launch Library 25 minutes ago
Launch ID: 7691fd72-25e7-4479-9e56-7de8f8653b2e
●Open-Meteo Weather3 days ago
Pad weather at 28.45, -80.57
Mission Profile
Explorer 17 was a Thor Delta B mission operated by United States Air Force that lifted off from Space Launch Complex 17A, Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA on April 3, 1963. The flight carried its payload on a earth science mission to Low Earth Orbit. The launch was a success.