PADSpace Launch Complex 1W
SITEVandenberg SFB, CA, USA →ORBITLow Earth Orbit
TYPEGovernment/Top Secret
MISSION OVERVIEW
Poppy was the follow-on ELINT system, which succeeded the Grab ELINT satellite system.
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Thorad SLV-2G Agena DAGENCY
United States Air ForceMISSION
Poppy 9A,B,C,D
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: 7a8e0995-ec58-407f-b29a-57987ed7e4ab
Reported date: Dec 14, 1971 at 12:13 UTC
Last synced: 3 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 | Poppy 9A,B,C,D launch?
The Thorad SLV-2G Agena D | Poppy 9A,B,C,D is scheduled for Tuesday, December 14, 1971 at 12:13 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 Poppy 9A,B,C,D?
The Thorad SLV-2G Agena D | Poppy 9A,B,C,D 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 | Poppy 9A,B,C,D launching from?
The launch takes place from Space Launch Complex 1W at Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA.
What orbit is Poppy 9A,B,C,D going to?
The Poppy 9A,B,C,D mission is targeting Low Earth Orbit.
Who is launching Poppy 9A,B,C,D?
The Thorad SLV-2G Agena D | Poppy 9A,B,C,D is operated by United States Air Force.
Can I watch the Thorad SLV-2G Agena D | Poppy 9A,B,C,D 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: Dec 14, 1971 at 12:13 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: 3 minutes ago
●Launch Library 23 minutes ago
Launch ID: 7a8e0995-ec58-407f-b29a-57987ed7e4ab
●Open-Meteo Weather15 hours ago
Pad weather at 34.76, -120.63
Mission Profile
Poppy 9A,B,C,D 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 December 14, 1971. The flight carried its payload on a government/top secret mission to Low Earth Orbit. The launch was a success.