UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
Thor SLV-2A Agena B | Nimbus 2
—
—
May 15, 1966 at 07:55 UTC
▸ Flight profile›
Initializing Launch Globe…
MISSION OVERVIEW
Nimbus 2, the second in a series of second-generation meteorological research-and-development satellites, added an additional medium-resolution infrared radiometer (MRIR) compared to Nimbus 1.
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Thor SLV-2A Agena BAGENCY
United States Air ForceMISSION
Nimbus 2
MISSION TYPE
Earth Science
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: 81a295d5-4780-4104-bcb8-2ee1caa9f6c1
Reported date: May 15, 1966 at 07:55 UTC
Last synced: 17 minutes ago
This launch date and time are confirmed by the launch provider. Countdown is active.
LAUNCH MAP
PAD WEATHER
Loading weather…
CAN YOU SEE THIS LAUNCH?
Select a location to check if this launch is visible from where you are
VEHICLE — Thor SLV-2A Agena B →
MANUFACTURER
McDonnell Douglas
VARIANT
SLV-2A Agena B
FLIGHTS
2
SUCCESSES
2
SUCCESS RATE
100%
Thor-Agena was a series of orbital launch vehicles. The rockets used Thor first stages and Agena second stages. They are thus cousins of the more-famous Thor-Deltas, which founded the Delta rocket family.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the Thor SLV-2A Agena B | Nimbus 2 launch?
The Thor SLV-2A Agena B | Nimbus 2 is scheduled for Sunday, May 15, 1966 at 7:55 AM UTC. This is the NET (No Earlier Than) time and may be subject to change. Current status: SUCCESS.
What rocket is being used for Nimbus 2?
The Thor SLV-2A Agena B | Nimbus 2 mission uses the Thor SLV-2A Agena B rocket, manufactured by McDonnell Douglas. The Thor SLV-2A Agena B has flown 2 times with a 100% success rate.
Where is the Thor SLV-2A Agena B | Nimbus 2 launching from?
The launch takes place from Space Launch Complex 2E at Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA.
What orbit is Nimbus 2 going to?
The Nimbus 2 mission is targeting Polar Orbit.
Who is launching Nimbus 2?
The Thor SLV-2A Agena B | Nimbus 2 is operated by United States Air Force.
Can I watch the Thor SLV-2A Agena B | Nimbus 2 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 20:51 UTC
Launch added to tracker
Imported from Launch Library 2 API
Mar 28, 2026 20:51 UTC
Launch date set: May 15, 1966 at 07:55 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by United States Air Force
Mar 28, 2026 20:51 UTC
Launch completed successfully
Updated via Launch Library 2
LIVE DATA SOURCES
Last data sync: 17 minutes ago
●Launch Library 217 minutes ago
Launch ID: 81a295d5-4780-4104-bcb8-2ee1caa9f6c1
●Open-Meteo Weather1 week ago
Pad weather at 34.75, -120.62
Mission Profile
Nimbus 2 was a Thor SLV-2A Agena B mission operated by United States Air Force that lifted off from Space Launch Complex 2E, Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA on May 15, 1966. The flight carried its payload on a earth science mission to Polar Orbit. The launch was a success.