Thor Delta E | ESSA 3

A Thor Delta E rocket launched Thor Delta E | ESSA 3 from Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA, targeting SSO.

Launch time
Status
SUCCESS
Operator
United States Air Force
Mission type
Earth Science
Rocket
Thor Delta E
Launch site
Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA
Launch pad
Space Launch Complex 2E
Payload
—
Target orbit
SSO
Thor Delta E | ESSA 3 cover image

Mission timeline

  1. 1966-10-02T10:39:03.000Z
    Liftoff
    Thor Delta E 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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