UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
Thor DM-21 Agena-B | Discoverer 17
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Nov 12, 1960 at 20:42 UTC
▸ Flight profile›
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PADSpace Launch Complex 1E
SITEVandenberg SFB, CA, USA →ORBITLow Earth Orbit
TYPEGovernment/Top Secret
MISSION OVERVIEW
Discoverer 17 was an American optical reconnaissance satellite. The mission was classed as a failure. Orbit was entered successfully however the film was separated before any camera operation leaving only 0.5m of film in the capsule.
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Thor DM-21 Agena-BAGENCY
United States Air ForceMISSION
Discoverer 17
MISSION TYPE
Government/Top Secret
TARGET ORBIT
Low Earth Orbit
LAUNCH PAD
Space Launch Complex 1ELAUNCH SITE
Vandenberg SFB, CA, USACOUNTRY
USA
LAUNCH TIME VERIFICATION
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: ab21d17c-aa7d-46f5-9d39-601a4793f279
Reported date: Nov 12, 1960 at 20:42 UTC
Last synced: 5 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 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 17 launch?
The Thor DM-21 Agena-B | Discoverer 17 is scheduled for Saturday, November 12, 1960 at 8:42 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 Discoverer 17?
The Thor DM-21 Agena-B | Discoverer 17 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 17 launching from?
The launch takes place from Space Launch Complex 1E at Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA.
What orbit is Discoverer 17 going to?
The Discoverer 17 mission is targeting Low Earth Orbit.
Who is launching Discoverer 17?
The Thor DM-21 Agena-B | Discoverer 17 is operated by United States Air Force.
Can I watch the Thor DM-21 Agena-B | Discoverer 17 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: Nov 12, 1960 at 20:42 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: 5 minutes ago
●Launch Library 25 minutes ago
Launch ID: ab21d17c-aa7d-46f5-9d39-601a4793f279
●Open-Meteo Weather4 days ago
Pad weather at 34.76, -120.63
Mission Profile
Discoverer 17 was a Thor DM-21 Agena-B mission operated by United States Air Force that lifted off from Space Launch Complex 1E, Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA on November 12, 1960. The flight carried its payload on a government/top secret mission to Low Earth Orbit. The launch was a success.