UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
Thor DM-21 Ablestar | Courier 1A
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Aug 18, 1960 at 19:58 UTC
▸ Flight profile›
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MISSION OVERVIEW
An active repeater communications satellite. The vehicle failed during liftoff.
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Thor DM-21 AblestarAGENCY
United States Air ForceMISSION
Courier 1A
MISSION TYPE
Communications
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: d203ad0f-2f6f-4533-9641-b211b5770421
Reported date: Aug 18, 1960 at 19:58 UTC
Last synced: 3 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 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 | Courier 1A launch?
The Thor DM-21 Ablestar | Courier 1A is scheduled for Thursday, August 18, 1960 at 7:58 PM UTC. This is the NET (No Earlier Than) time and may be subject to change. Current status: FAILURE.
What rocket is being used for Courier 1A?
The Thor DM-21 Ablestar | Courier 1A 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 | Courier 1A launching from?
The launch takes place from Space Launch Complex 17B at Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA.
What orbit is Courier 1A going to?
The Courier 1A mission is targeting Low Earth Orbit.
Who is launching Courier 1A?
The Thor DM-21 Ablestar | Courier 1A is operated by United States Air Force.
Can I watch the Thor DM-21 Ablestar | Courier 1A 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: Aug 18, 1960 at 19:58 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: 3 minutes ago
●Launch Library 23 minutes ago
Launch ID: d203ad0f-2f6f-4533-9641-b211b5770421
●Open-Meteo Weather4 days ago
Pad weather at 28.45, -80.57
Mission Profile
Courier 1A 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 August 18, 1960. The flight carried its payload on a communications mission to Low Earth Orbit. The launch ended in failure.