UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
Thor DM-21 Ablestar | Transit-5BN 3
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Apr 21, 1964 at 18:50 UTC
▸ Flight profile›
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MISSION OVERVIEW
Transit navigation satellite equipped with nuclear power.
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Thor DM-21 AblestarAGENCY
United States Air ForceMISSION
Transit-5BN 3
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: 929aa6e9-0916-4a1a-b6b8-7dde449b443f
Reported date: Apr 21, 1964 at 18:50 UTC
Last synced: 6 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 | Transit-5BN 3 launch?
The Thor DM-21 Ablestar | Transit-5BN 3 is scheduled for Tuesday, April 21, 1964 at 6:50 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 Transit-5BN 3?
The Thor DM-21 Ablestar | Transit-5BN 3 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 3 launching from?
The launch takes place from Space Launch Complex 2E at Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA.
What orbit is Transit-5BN 3 going to?
The Transit-5BN 3 mission is targeting Polar Orbit.
Who is launching Transit-5BN 3?
The Thor DM-21 Ablestar | Transit-5BN 3 is operated by United States Air Force.
Can I watch the Thor DM-21 Ablestar | Transit-5BN 3 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: Apr 21, 1964 at 18:50 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by United States Air Force
Mar 28, 2026 20:13 UTC
Launch failure reported
Updated via Launch Library 2
LIVE DATA SOURCES
Last data sync: 6 minutes ago
●Launch Library 26 minutes ago
Launch ID: 929aa6e9-0916-4a1a-b6b8-7dde449b443f
●Open-Meteo Weather3 days ago
Pad weather at 34.75, -120.62
Mission Profile
Transit-5BN 3 was a Thor DM-21 Ablestar mission operated by United States Air Force that lifted off from Space Launch Complex 2E, Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA on April 21, 1964. The flight carried its payload on a navigation mission to Polar Orbit. The launch ended in failure.