UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
Thor SLV-2A Agena D | Quill 1
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Dec 21, 1964 at 19:08 UTC
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PADSpace Launch Complex 2E
SITEVandenberg SFB, CA, USA →ORBITLow Earth Orbit
TYPEGovernment/Top Secret
MISSION OVERVIEW
This Quill mission was the first radar reconnaissance sat developed by the NRO in the P-40 synthetic aperture radar (SAR) proof-of-concept program.
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Thor SLV-2A Agena DAGENCY
United States Air ForceMISSION
Quill 1
MISSION TYPE
Government/Top Secret
TARGET ORBIT
Low Earth Orbit
LAUNCH PAD
Space Launch Complex 2ELAUNCH SITE
Vandenberg SFB, CA, USACOUNTRY
USA
LAUNCH TIME VERIFICATION
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: 48e1bd44-941c-4992-a429-7365d36e8ea9
Reported date: Dec 21, 1964 at 19:08 UTC
Last synced: 11 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 SLV-2A Agena D →
MANUFACTURER
McDonnell Douglas
VARIANT
SLV-2A Agena D
FLIGHTS
61
SUCCESSES
57
SUCCESS RATE
93.4%
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 D | Quill 1 launch?
The Thor SLV-2A Agena D | Quill 1 is scheduled for Monday, December 21, 1964 at 7:08 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 Quill 1?
The Thor SLV-2A Agena D | Quill 1 mission uses the Thor SLV-2A Agena D rocket, manufactured by McDonnell Douglas. The Thor SLV-2A Agena D has flown 61 times with a 93.4% success rate.
Where is the Thor SLV-2A Agena D | Quill 1 launching from?
The launch takes place from Space Launch Complex 2E at Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA.
What orbit is Quill 1 going to?
The Quill 1 mission is targeting Low Earth Orbit.
Who is launching Quill 1?
The Thor SLV-2A Agena D | Quill 1 is operated by United States Air Force.
Can I watch the Thor SLV-2A Agena D | Quill 1 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: Dec 21, 1964 at 19:08 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
LIVE DATA SOURCES
Last data sync: 11 minutes ago
●Launch Library 211 minutes ago
Launch ID: 48e1bd44-941c-4992-a429-7365d36e8ea9
●Open-Meteo Weather1 day ago
Pad weather at 34.75, -120.62
Mission Profile
Quill 1 was a Thor SLV-2A Agena D mission operated by United States Air Force that lifted off from Space Launch Complex 2E, Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA on December 21, 1964. The flight carried its payload on a government/top secret mission to Low Earth Orbit. The launch was a success.