Thor Burner 2A | DMSP-5B F2

Thor Burner 2A | DMSP-5B F2 rode a Thor Burner 2A into space from Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA, deploying its payload to SSO.

Launch time
Status
SUCCESS
Operator
United States Air Force
Mission type
Government/Top Secret
Rocket
Thor Burner 2A
Launch site
Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA
Launch pad
Space Launch Complex 10W
Payload
—
Target orbit
SSO
Thor Burner 2A | DMSP-5B F2 cover image

Mission timeline

  1. 1972-03-24T08:46:12.000Z
    Liftoff
    Thor Burner 2A roars off the pad at Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA.
  2. Max-Q
    The vehicle reaches Max Q, the highest aerodynamic load of the flight.
  3. Main engine cutoff (MECO)
    MECO — first-stage propulsion ends after a nominal burn.
  4. Stage separation
    Clean stage separation confirmed.
  5. Second-stage ignition
    The upper-stage engine lights up after separation.
  6. Orbit insertion
    Orbit insertion confirmed — now circling in SSO.
  7. Mission success
    All mission objectives achieved.

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