UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
Thor DM-21 Ablestar | 5 Payloads Rideshare
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Jan 24, 1962 at 09:30 UTC
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PADSpace Launch Complex 17B
SITECape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA →ORBITLow Earth Orbit
TYPEDedicated Rideshare
MISSION OVERVIEW
Rideshare launch carrying LOFTI 2, SECOR, Poppy 1, Injun 2 and Surcal 1.
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Thor DM-21 AblestarAGENCY
United States Air ForceMISSION
5 Payloads Rideshare
MISSION TYPE
Dedicated Rideshare
TARGET ORBIT
Low Earth 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: d5e7b928-9733-4887-86d0-fbc53331e322
Reported date: Jan 24, 1962 at 09:30 UTC
Last synced: 10 minutes ago
This launch date and time are confirmed by the launch provider. Countdown is active.
LAUNCH MAP
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VEHICLE — Thor DM-21 Ablestar →
MANUFACTURER
United States Air Force
VARIANT
DM-21
FLIGHTS
19
SUCCESSES
13
SUCCESS RATE
68.4%
The Thor-Ablestar, or Thor Able-Star, also known as Thor-Epsilon was an early American expendable launch system consisting of a PGM-17 Thor missile, with an Ablestar upper stage. It was a member of the Thor family of rockets, and was derived from the Thor-Able.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the Thor DM-21 Ablestar | 5 Payloads Rideshare launch?
The Thor DM-21 Ablestar | 5 Payloads Rideshare is scheduled for Wednesday, January 24, 1962 at 9:30 AM UTC. This is the NET (No Earlier Than) time and may be subject to change. Current status: FAILURE.
What rocket is being used for 5 Payloads Rideshare?
The Thor DM-21 Ablestar | 5 Payloads Rideshare mission uses the Thor DM-21 Ablestar rocket, manufactured by United States Air Force. The Thor DM-21 Ablestar has flown 19 times with a 68.4% success rate.
Where is the Thor DM-21 Ablestar | 5 Payloads Rideshare launching from?
The launch takes place from Space Launch Complex 17B at Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA.
What orbit is 5 Payloads Rideshare going to?
The 5 Payloads Rideshare mission is targeting Low Earth Orbit.
Who is launching 5 Payloads Rideshare?
The Thor DM-21 Ablestar | 5 Payloads Rideshare is operated by United States Air Force.
Can I watch the Thor DM-21 Ablestar | 5 Payloads Rideshare 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: Jan 24, 1962 at 09:30 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by United States Air Force
Mar 28, 2026 20:12 UTC
Launch failure reported
Updated via Launch Library 2
LIVE DATA SOURCES
Last data sync: 10 minutes ago
●Launch Library 210 minutes ago
Launch ID: d5e7b928-9733-4887-86d0-fbc53331e322
●Open-Meteo Weather4 days ago
Pad weather at 28.45, -80.57
Mission Profile
5 Payloads Rideshare was a Thor DM-21 Ablestar mission operated by United States Air Force that lifted off from Space Launch Complex 17B, Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA on January 24, 1962. The flight carried its payload on a dedicated rideshare mission to Low Earth Orbit. The launch ended in failure.