UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
Thor DM-21 Ablestar | Courier 1B
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Oct 4, 1960 at 17:50 UTC
▸ Flight profile›
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MISSION OVERVIEW
An active repeater communications satellite. The vehicle succesfully launched and successfully operated for a few weeks proving the experimental system.
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Thor DM-21 AblestarAGENCY
United States Air ForceMISSION
Courier 1B
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: dae8cfed-408d-4572-a461-d71e8d40e396
Reported date: Oct 4, 1960 at 17:50 UTC
Last synced: 11 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 1B launch?
The Thor DM-21 Ablestar | Courier 1B is scheduled for Tuesday, October 4, 1960 at 5:50 PM UTC. This is the NET (No Earlier Than) time and may be subject to change. Current status: SUCCESS.
What rocket is being used for Courier 1B?
The Thor DM-21 Ablestar | Courier 1B 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 1B launching from?
The launch takes place from Space Launch Complex 17B at Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA.
What orbit is Courier 1B going to?
The Courier 1B mission is targeting Low Earth Orbit.
Who is launching Courier 1B?
The Thor DM-21 Ablestar | Courier 1B is operated by United States Air Force.
Can I watch the Thor DM-21 Ablestar | Courier 1B 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: Oct 4, 1960 at 17:50 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: 11 minutes ago
●Launch Library 211 minutes ago
Launch ID: dae8cfed-408d-4572-a461-d71e8d40e396
●Open-Meteo Weather1 month ago
Pad weather at 28.45, -80.57
Mission Profile
Courier 1B 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 October 4, 1960. The flight carried its payload on a communications mission to Low Earth Orbit. The launch was a success.