MISSION OVERVIEW
Explorer 26 was a spin-stabilized, solar-cell-powered spacecraft instrumented to measure cosmic-ray particles, trapped particles, solar wind protons, and magnetospheric and interplanetary magnetic fields.
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Thor Delta CAGENCY
United States Air ForceMISSION
Explorer 26
MISSION TYPE
Earth Science
TARGET ORBIT
Elliptical 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: 9c033f9b-5d7b-4e67-9c26-6e3842723936
Reported date: Dec 21, 1964 at 09:00 UTC
Last synced: 5 minutes ago
This launch date and time are confirmed by the launch provider. Countdown is active.
LAUNCH MAP
PAD WEATHER
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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 26 launch?
The Thor Delta C | Explorer 26 is scheduled for Monday, December 21, 1964 at 9:00 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 26?
The Thor Delta C | Explorer 26 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 26 launching from?
The launch takes place from Space Launch Complex 17A at Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA.
What orbit is Explorer 26 going to?
The Explorer 26 mission is targeting Elliptical Orbit.
Who is launching Explorer 26?
The Thor Delta C | Explorer 26 is operated by United States Air Force.
Can I watch the Thor Delta C | Explorer 26 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: Dec 21, 1964 at 09:00 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by United States Air Force
Mar 28, 2026 20:13 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: 9c033f9b-5d7b-4e67-9c26-6e3842723936
●Open-Meteo Weather14 hours ago
Pad weather at 28.45, -80.57
Mission Profile
Explorer 26 was a Thor Delta C mission operated by United States Air Force that lifted off from Space Launch Complex 17A, Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA on December 21, 1964. The flight carried its payload on a earth science mission to Elliptical Orbit. The launch was a success.