UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
Thor Delta B | Syncom 2
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Jul 26, 1963 at 14:33 UTC
▸ Flight profile›
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PADSpace Launch Complex 17A
SITECape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA →ORBITGeosynchronous Orbit
TYPECommunications
MISSION OVERVIEW
Syncom 2 was the first geosynchronous satellite. Although the period was 24 hours and the spacecraft remained at a nearly constant longitude, the orbit was inclined at 33 degrees so it was not truly geostationary but moved in an elongated figure eight pattern 33 degrees north and south of the equator.
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Thor Delta BAGENCY
United States Air ForceMISSION
Syncom 2
MISSION TYPE
Communications
TARGET ORBIT
Geosynchronous 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: 80d602cd-12c6-4921-bba8-73f329cdeaa8
Reported date: Jul 26, 1963 at 14:33 UTC
Last synced: 11 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 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 | Syncom 2 launch?
The Thor Delta B | Syncom 2 is scheduled for Friday, July 26, 1963 at 2:33 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 Syncom 2?
The Thor Delta B | Syncom 2 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 | Syncom 2 launching from?
The launch takes place from Space Launch Complex 17A at Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA.
What orbit is Syncom 2 going to?
The Syncom 2 mission is targeting Geosynchronous Orbit.
Who is launching Syncom 2?
The Thor Delta B | Syncom 2 is operated by United States Air Force.
Can I watch the Thor Delta B | Syncom 2 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: Jul 26, 1963 at 14:33 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: 11 minutes ago
●Launch Library 211 minutes ago
Launch ID: 80d602cd-12c6-4921-bba8-73f329cdeaa8
●Open-Meteo Weather1 week ago
Pad weather at 28.45, -80.57
Mission Profile
Syncom 2 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 July 26, 1963. The flight carried its payload on a communications mission to Geosynchronous Orbit. The launch was a success.