UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
Thor DM-21 Agena-B | Discoverer 16
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Oct 26, 1960 at 20:26 UTC
▸ Flight profile›
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PADSpace Launch Complex 1W
SITEVandenberg SFB, CA, USA →ORBITLow Earth Orbit
TYPEGovernment/Top Secret
MISSION OVERVIEW
Discoverer 16 was an American optical reconnaissance satellite. The launch failed when the Agena stage failed to seperate from Thor.
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Thor DM-21 Agena-BAGENCY
United States Air ForceMISSION
Discoverer 16
MISSION TYPE
Government/Top Secret
TARGET ORBIT
Low Earth Orbit
LAUNCH PAD
Space Launch Complex 1WLAUNCH SITE
Vandenberg SFB, CA, USACOUNTRY
USA
LAUNCH TIME VERIFICATION
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: adca914e-1d47-47fd-a8d8-71b90dd9cbe1
Reported date: Oct 26, 1960 at 20:26 UTC
Last synced: 30 seconds 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 Agena-B →
MANUFACTURER
United States Air Force
FLIGHTS
40
SUCCESSES
32
SUCCESS RATE
80%
Thor-Agena was a series of orbital launch vehicles.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the Thor DM-21 Agena-B | Discoverer 16 launch?
The Thor DM-21 Agena-B | Discoverer 16 is scheduled for Wednesday, October 26, 1960 at 8:26 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 Discoverer 16?
The Thor DM-21 Agena-B | Discoverer 16 mission uses the Thor DM-21 Agena-B rocket, manufactured by United States Air Force. The Thor DM-21 Agena-B has flown 40 times with a 80% success rate.
Where is the Thor DM-21 Agena-B | Discoverer 16 launching from?
The launch takes place from Space Launch Complex 1W at Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA.
What orbit is Discoverer 16 going to?
The Discoverer 16 mission is targeting Low Earth Orbit.
Who is launching Discoverer 16?
The Thor DM-21 Agena-B | Discoverer 16 is operated by United States Air Force.
Can I watch the Thor DM-21 Agena-B | Discoverer 16 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 26, 1960 at 20:26 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: 30 seconds ago
●Launch Library 231 seconds ago
Launch ID: adca914e-1d47-47fd-a8d8-71b90dd9cbe1
●Open-Meteo Weather23 hours ago
Pad weather at 34.76, -120.63
Mission Profile
Discoverer 16 was a Thor DM-21 Agena-B mission operated by United States Air Force that lifted off from Space Launch Complex 1W, Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA on October 26, 1960. The flight carried its payload on a government/top secret mission to Low Earth Orbit. The launch ended in failure.