UNITED STATES AIR FORCE

Thor DM-21 Ablestar | Transit-O 5

SUCCESSAug 13, 1965 at 22:11 UTCThor DM-21 Ablestar →
PADSpace Launch Complex 2E
SITEVandenberg SFB, CA, USA →
ORBITPolar Orbit
TYPENavigation

The Transit-O series of satellites that closely followed the design of Transit 5C-1 were also called “Oscars” (Oscar is the phonetic alphabet for “O”, i. e., operational). They were also called NNS (Navy Navigation Satellite) or shortened NavSat.

MISSION
Transit-O 5
MISSION TYPE
Navigation
TARGET ORBIT
Polar Orbit
COUNTRY
USA
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: 45cd7514-b82e-47b9-9875-4fc3738e8182
Reported date: Aug 13, 1965 at 22:11 UTC
Last synced: 1 minute ago
This launch date and time are confirmed by the launch provider. Countdown is active.
Loading weather…
Select a location to check if this launch is visible from where you are
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.

When is the Thor DM-21 Ablestar | Transit-O 5 launch?
The Thor DM-21 Ablestar | Transit-O 5 is scheduled for Friday, August 13, 1965 at 10:11 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-O 5?
The Thor DM-21 Ablestar | Transit-O 5 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-O 5 launching from?
The launch takes place from Space Launch Complex 2E at Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA.
What orbit is Transit-O 5 going to?
The Transit-O 5 mission is targeting Polar Orbit.
Who is launching Transit-O 5?
The Thor DM-21 Ablestar | Transit-O 5 is operated by United States Air Force.
Can I watch the Thor DM-21 Ablestar | Transit-O 5 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.
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: Aug 13, 1965 at 22:11 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by United States Air Force
Mar 28, 2026 20:13 UTC
Launch completed successfully
Updated via Launch Library 2
Last data sync: 1 minute ago
Launch Library 21 minute ago
Launch ID: 45cd7514-b82e-47b9-9875-4fc3738e8182
Open-Meteo Weather27 minutes ago
Pad weather at 34.75, -120.62