United States Air Force Transit 3A Thor DM-21 Ablestar
About the Transit 3A Mission
| Type | Navigation |
|---|---|
| Orbit | Polar Orbit |
Transit 3A was a US Navy navigation satellite that was destroyed by range safety when the launch vehicle shut down too early.
Launch Pad & Location
Space Launch Complex 17B
Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA
| Launches | 132 |
|---|---|
| Orbital Launch Attempts | 132 |
| Total Launches | 1130 |
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.
United States Air Force Thor DM-21 Ablestar Rocket
The Thor-Ablestar, or Thor Able-Star, also known as Thor-Epsilon was an early American expendable launch system consisting of a PGM-17 Thor missile, with an Ablestar upper stage. It was a member of the Thor family of rockets, and was derived from the Thor-Able.
| Length | 29.0 m |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 1.4 m |
| Stages | 2 |
| Launch Mass | 51.0 T |
| Takeoff Thrust | 760.0 kN |
| LEO Capacity | 150 kg |
| Maiden Flight | 4/13/1960 |
Learn more about the United States Air Force Thor DM-21 Ablestar 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.
| Total Launches | 1,078 |
|---|---|
| Successful | 972 |
| Failed | 106 |
| Consecutive Success | 68 |
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the United States Air Force Thor DM-21 Ablestar Transit 3A launch scheduled?
The United States Air Force Thor DM-21 Ablestar Transit 3A launch was scheduled for:
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Where did the United States Air Force Thor DM-21 Ablestar Transit 3A mission launch from?
The United States Air Force Thor DM-21 Ablestar rocket launched from Space Launch Complex 17B 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 Transit 3A mission?
The Transit 3A mission launched aboard a United States Air Force Thor DM-21 Ablestar rocket. The Thor-Ablestar, or Thor Able-Star, also known as Thor-Epsilon was an early American expendable launch system consisting of a PGM-17 Thor missile, with an Ablestar upper stage. It was a member of the Thor family of rockets, and was derived from the Thor-Able. 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 DM-21 Ablestar Transit 3A launch?
The United States Air Force Thor DM-21 Ablestar Transit 3A 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 DM-21 Ablestar Transit 3A launch was delayed?
This page was updated in real-time with the latest United States Air Force Thor DM-21 Ablestar launch status, including any delays or scrubs for the Transit 3A 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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