UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
Thor Delta C | Explorer 18
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Nov 27, 1963 at 02:30 UTC
▸ Flight profile›
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MISSION OVERVIEW
Explorer 18 (IMP 1, Interplanetary Monitoring Platform) was a solar-cell and chemical-battery powered spacecraft instrumented for interplanetary and distant magnetospheric studies of energetic particles, cosmic rays, magnetic fields, and plasmas.
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Thor Delta CAGENCY
United States Air ForceMISSION
Explorer 18
MISSION TYPE
Astrophysics
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: 0d1c4338-ba86-4e05-bc67-b3529d835fcf
Reported date: Nov 27, 1963 at 02:30 UTC
Last synced: 10 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 C →
MANUFACTURER
McDonnell Douglas
VARIANT
Delta C
FLIGHTS
10
SUCCESSES
8
SUCCESS RATE
80%
American orbital launch vehicle family with Thor first stage and a delta second stage.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the Thor Delta C | Explorer 18 launch?
The Thor Delta C | Explorer 18 is scheduled for Wednesday, November 27, 1963 at 2:30 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 18?
The Thor Delta C | Explorer 18 mission uses the Thor Delta C rocket, manufactured by McDonnell Douglas. The Thor Delta C has flown 10 times with a 80% success rate.
Where is the Thor Delta C | Explorer 18 launching from?
The launch takes place from Space Launch Complex 17B at Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA.
What orbit is Explorer 18 going to?
The Explorer 18 mission is targeting Elliptical Orbit.
Who is launching Explorer 18?
The Thor Delta C | Explorer 18 is operated by United States Air Force.
Can I watch the Thor Delta C | Explorer 18 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: Nov 27, 1963 at 02:30 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: 10 minutes ago
●Launch Library 210 minutes ago
Launch ID: 0d1c4338-ba86-4e05-bc67-b3529d835fcf
●Open-Meteo Weather2 days ago
Pad weather at 28.45, -80.57
Mission Profile
Explorer 18 was a Thor Delta C mission operated by United States Air Force that lifted off from Space Launch Complex 17B, Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA on November 27, 1963. The flight carried its payload on a astrophysics mission to Elliptical Orbit. The launch was a success.