United States Air Force Transit-5BN 3 Thor DM-21 Ablestar
About the Transit-5BN 3 Mission
- Type: Navigation
- Orbit: Polar Orbit
Transit navigation satellite equipped with nuclear power.
Launch Pad & Location
Space Launch Complex 2E
Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA
The Space Launch Complex 2E launch pad has hosted 47 rocket launches, including 47 orbital launch attempts. The Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA launch site has been the location for 887 total rocket launches.
Vandenberg Space Force Base is a United States Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County, California. Established in 1941, Vandenberg Space Force Base is a space launch base, launching spacecraft from the Western Range, and also performs missile testing. The United States Space Force's Space Launch Delta 30 serves as the host delta for the base, equivalent to an Air Force air base wing. In addition to its military space launch mission, Vandenberg Space Force Base also hosts space launches for civil and commercial space entities, such as NASA and SpaceX.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the United States Air Force Thor DM-21 Ablestar Transit-5BN 3 launch scheduled?
The United States Air Force Thor DM-21 Ablestar Transit-5BN 3 launch was scheduled for:
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Where did the United States Air Force Thor DM-21 Ablestar Transit-5BN 3 mission launch from?
The United States Air Force Thor DM-21 Ablestar rocket launched from Space Launch Complex 2E at Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA. Vandenberg Space Force Base is a United States Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County, California. Established in 1941, Vandenberg Space Force Base is a space launch base, launching spacecraft from the Western Range, and also performs missile testing. The United States Space Force's Space Launch Delta 30 serves as the host delta for the base, equivalent to an Air Force air base wing. In addition to its military space launch mission, Vandenberg Space Force Base also hosts space launches for civil and commercial space entities, such as NASA and SpaceX.
What rocket was used for the Transit-5BN 3 mission?
The Transit-5BN 3 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-5BN 3 launch?
The United States Air Force Thor DM-21 Ablestar Transit-5BN 3 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-5BN 3 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-5BN 3 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.