MISSION OVERVIEW
Transit navigation satellite equipped with nuclear power.
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Thor DM-21 AblestarAGENCY
United States Air ForceMISSION
Transit 5BN-1
MISSION TYPE
Navigation
TARGET ORBIT
Polar Orbit
LAUNCH PAD
Space Launch Complex 2ELAUNCH SITE
Vandenberg SFB, CA, USACOUNTRY
USA
LAUNCH TIME VERIFICATION
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: 8d98586c-69bb-4e80-9bda-d5a5a08bbea8
Reported date: Sep 28, 1963 at 20:22 UTC
Last synced: 2 hours 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 | Transit 5BN-1 launch?
The Thor DM-21 Ablestar | Transit 5BN-1 is scheduled for Saturday, September 28, 1963 at 8:22 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 Transit 5BN-1?
The Thor DM-21 Ablestar | Transit 5BN-1 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 | Transit 5BN-1 launching from?
The launch takes place from Space Launch Complex 2E at Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA.
What orbit is Transit 5BN-1 going to?
The Transit 5BN-1 mission is targeting Polar Orbit.
Who is launching Transit 5BN-1?
The Thor DM-21 Ablestar | Transit 5BN-1 is operated by United States Air Force.
Can I watch the Thor DM-21 Ablestar | Transit 5BN-1 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: Sep 28, 1963 at 20:22 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: 2 hours ago
●Launch Library 22 hours ago
Launch ID: 8d98586c-69bb-4e80-9bda-d5a5a08bbea8
●Open-Meteo Weather2 hours ago
Pad weather at 34.75, -120.62
