Thor Delta B | Explorer 17

United States Air Force flew Thor Delta B | Explorer 17 on a Thor Delta B out of Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA, placing its payload in LEO.

Launch time
Status
SUCCESS
Operator
United States Air Force
Mission type
Earth Science
Rocket
Thor Delta B
Launch site
Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA
Launch pad
Space Launch Complex 17A
Payload
—
Target orbit
LEO

Mission timeline

  1. 1963-04-03T02:00:02.000Z
    Liftoff
    Thor Delta B roars off the pad at Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, 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 LEO.
  7. Mission success
    All mission objectives achieved.

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