UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
Thor Delta E | Pioneer 6
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Dec 16, 1965 at 07:31 UTC
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MISSION OVERVIEW
Pioneer A to E (Pioneer 6 to 9 after launch) were a series of five solar-orbiting, spin-stabilized, solar-cell and battery-powered satellites designed to obtain measurements of interplanetary phenomena from widely separated points in space on a continuing basis.
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Thor Delta EAGENCY
United States Air ForceMISSION
Pioneer 6
MISSION TYPE
Astrophysics
TARGET ORBIT
Heliocentric N/A
LAUNCH PAD
Space Launch Complex 17ALAUNCH SITE
Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USACOUNTRY
USA
LAUNCH TIME VERIFICATION
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: 76d52e5c-266c-4f58-8fe7-16e23f393624
Reported date: Dec 16, 1965 at 07:31 UTC
Last synced: 4 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 E →
MANUFACTURER
McDonnell Douglas
VARIANT
Delta E
FLIGHTS
6
SUCCESSES
6
SUCCESS RATE
100%
American orbital launch vehicle family with Thor first stage and a delta second stage.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the Thor Delta E | Pioneer 6 launch?
The Thor Delta E | Pioneer 6 is scheduled for Thursday, December 16, 1965 at 7:31 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 Pioneer 6?
The Thor Delta E | Pioneer 6 mission uses the Thor Delta E rocket, manufactured by McDonnell Douglas. The Thor Delta E has flown 6 times with a 100% success rate.
Where is the Thor Delta E | Pioneer 6 launching from?
The launch takes place from Space Launch Complex 17A at Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA.
What orbit is Pioneer 6 going to?
The Pioneer 6 mission is targeting Heliocentric N/A.
Who is launching Pioneer 6?
The Thor Delta E | Pioneer 6 is operated by United States Air Force.
Can I watch the Thor Delta E | Pioneer 6 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 16, 1965 at 07:31 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: 4 minutes ago
●Launch Library 24 minutes ago
Launch ID: 76d52e5c-266c-4f58-8fe7-16e23f393624
●Open-Meteo Weather3 days ago
Pad weather at 28.45, -80.57
Mission Profile
Pioneer 6 was a Thor Delta E mission operated by United States Air Force that lifted off from Space Launch Complex 17A, Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA on December 16, 1965. The flight carried its payload on a astrophysics mission to Heliocentric N/A. The launch was a success.