UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
Thorad SLV-2G Agena D | ASTEX
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Oct 17, 1971 at 13:36 UTC
▸ Flight profile›
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MISSION OVERVIEW
USAF satellite designed to test advanced development payloads
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Thorad SLV-2G Agena DAGENCY
United States Air ForceMISSION
ASTEX
MISSION TYPE
Test Flight
TARGET ORBIT
Polar Orbit
LAUNCH PAD
Space Launch Complex 1WLAUNCH SITE
Vandenberg SFB, CA, USACOUNTRY
USA
LAUNCH TIME VERIFICATION
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: ac74688d-4bcb-4010-b13b-5d651fcba098
Reported date: Oct 17, 1971 at 13:36 UTC
Last synced: 7 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 — Thorad SLV-2G Agena D →
MANUFACTURER
McDonnell Douglas
VARIANT
SLV-2G Agena D
FLIGHTS
30
SUCCESSES
29
SUCCESS RATE
96.7%
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 Thorad SLV-2G Agena D | ASTEX launch?
The Thorad SLV-2G Agena D | ASTEX is scheduled for Sunday, October 17, 1971 at 1:36 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 ASTEX?
The Thorad SLV-2G Agena D | ASTEX mission uses the Thorad SLV-2G Agena D rocket, manufactured by McDonnell Douglas. The Thorad SLV-2G Agena D has flown 30 times with a 96.7% success rate.
Where is the Thorad SLV-2G Agena D | ASTEX launching from?
The launch takes place from Space Launch Complex 1W at Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA.
What orbit is ASTEX going to?
The ASTEX mission is targeting Polar Orbit.
Who is launching ASTEX?
The Thorad SLV-2G Agena D | ASTEX is operated by United States Air Force.
Can I watch the Thorad SLV-2G Agena D | ASTEX 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 21:44 UTC
Launch added to tracker
Imported from Launch Library 2 API
Mar 28, 2026 21:44 UTC
Launch date set: Oct 17, 1971 at 13:36 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by United States Air Force
Mar 28, 2026 21:44 UTC
Launch completed successfully
Updated via Launch Library 2
LIVE DATA SOURCES
Last data sync: 7 minutes ago
●Launch Library 27 minutes ago
Launch ID: ac74688d-4bcb-4010-b13b-5d651fcba098
●Open-Meteo Weather3 days ago
Pad weather at 34.76, -120.63
Mission Profile
ASTEX was a Thorad SLV-2G Agena D mission operated by United States Air Force that lifted off from Space Launch Complex 1W, Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA on October 17, 1971. The flight carried its payload on a test flight mission to Polar Orbit. The launch was a success.