PADSpace Launch Complex 1W
SITEVandenberg SFB, CA, USA →ORBITLow Earth Orbit
TYPEGovernment/Top Secret
MISSION OVERVIEW
The Strawman series of ELINT/SIGINT satellites, known for decades only as “Heavy Ferrets”, are the fourth variation of Agena-based ELINT satellites. These satellites were designed to detect, map and investigate SAM and ABM radars.
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Thorad SLV-2H Agena DAGENCY
United States Air ForceMISSION
Strawman 4
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: 297ee155-8f7d-4665-b7c4-aa6797c65985
Reported date: Jul 16, 1971 at 10:49 UTC
Last synced: 49 seconds 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-2H Agena D →
MANUFACTURER
McDonnell Douglas
VARIANT
SLV-2H Agena D
FLIGHTS
13
SUCCESSES
12
SUCCESS RATE
92.3%
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-2H Agena D | Strawman 4 launch?
The Thorad SLV-2H Agena D | Strawman 4 is scheduled for Friday, July 16, 1971 at 10:49 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 Strawman 4?
The Thorad SLV-2H Agena D | Strawman 4 mission uses the Thorad SLV-2H Agena D rocket, manufactured by McDonnell Douglas. The Thorad SLV-2H Agena D has flown 13 times with a 92.3% success rate.
Where is the Thorad SLV-2H Agena D | Strawman 4 launching from?
The launch takes place from Space Launch Complex 1W at Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA.
What orbit is Strawman 4 going to?
The Strawman 4 mission is targeting Low Earth Orbit.
Who is launching Strawman 4?
The Thorad SLV-2H Agena D | Strawman 4 is operated by United States Air Force.
Can I watch the Thorad SLV-2H Agena D | Strawman 4 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: Jul 16, 1971 at 10:49 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: 49 seconds ago
●Launch Library 249 seconds ago
Launch ID: 297ee155-8f7d-4665-b7c4-aa6797c65985
●Open-Meteo Weather17 hours ago
Pad weather at 34.76, -120.63
Mission Profile
Strawman 4 was a Thorad SLV-2H Agena D mission operated by United States Air Force that lifted off from Space Launch Complex 1W, Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA on July 16, 1971. The flight carried its payload on a government/top secret mission to Low Earth Orbit. The launch was a success.