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United States Air Force Explorer 21 Thor Delta C

Launch Status
Success

About the Explorer 21 Mission

Mission details for Explorer 21
TypeAstrophysics
OrbitElliptical Orbit

Explorer 21 (IMP 2) was a solar-cell and chemical-battery powered spacecraft instrumented for interplanetary and distant magnetospheric studies of energetic particles, cosmic rays, magnetic fields, and plasmas.

Launch Pad & Location

Space Launch Complex 17A

Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA

Launch statistics for Space Launch Complex 17A at Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA
Launches145
Orbital Launch Attempts145
Total Launches1130

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS) is an installation of the United States Space Force's Space Launch Delta 45, located on Cape Canaveral in Brevard County, Florida.

Find the best place to watch the launch from Florida

McDonnell Douglas Thor Delta C Rocket

American orbital launch vehicle family with Thor first stage and a delta second stage.

Rocket specifications for McDonnell Douglas Thor Delta C
Length27.5 m
Diameter2.4 m
Stages3
Launch Mass52.0 T
Takeoff Thrust667.0 kN
LEO Capacity81 kg
Maiden Flight11/27/1963

Learn more about the McDonnell Douglas Thor Delta C Rocket

About United States Air Force

The United States Air Force (USAF) is the air service branch of the United States Armed Forces, and is one of the eight uniformed services of the United States. Originally created on 1 August 1907, as a part of the United States Army Signal Corps, the USAF was established as a separate branch of the United States Armed Forces in 1947 with the enactment of the National Security Act of 1947.

Launch statistics for United States Air Force
Total Launches1,078
Successful972
Failed106
Consecutive Success68

Learn more about United States Air Force

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the United States Air Force Thor Delta C Explorer 21 launch scheduled?

The United States Air Force Thor Delta C Explorer 21 launch was scheduled for:
.

Where did the United States Air Force Thor Delta C Explorer 21 mission launch from?

The United States Air Force Thor Delta C rocket launched from Space Launch Complex 17A at Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA. Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS) is an installation of the United States Space Force's Space Launch Delta 45, located on Cape Canaveral in Brevard County, Florida.

What rocket was used for the Explorer 21 mission?

The Explorer 21 mission launched aboard a United States Air Force Thor Delta C rocket. American orbital launch vehicle family with Thor first stage and a delta second stage. Detailed rocket specifications and performance data are available in the rocket details above.

What weather conditions could have delayed the United States Air Force Thor Delta C Explorer 21 launch?

The United States Air Force Thor Delta C Explorer 21 launch could have been delayed by various weather conditions including lightning within 10 nautical miles, high winds (especially upper-level winds), thick cloud layers, precipitation, and poor visibility. Weather must be favorable at the launch site, downrange landing zones, and abort landing sites.

How can I get updates if the United States Air Force Thor Delta C Explorer 21 launch was delayed?

This page was updated in real-time with the latest United States Air Force Thor Delta C launch status, including any delays or scrubs for the Explorer 21 mission. You can also check our space launch schedule for historical launch information. Our mobile app provides push notifications for instant alerts about launch status changes. Official United States Air Force live streams provided the most immediate range updates during the launch window.

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