Thor Delta N | ESSA 8

A Thor Delta N rocket launched Thor Delta N | ESSA 8 from Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA, targeting SSO.

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

Mission timeline

  1. 1968-12-15T17:21:04.000Z
    Liftoff
    Thor Delta N lifts off from Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA.
  2. Max-Q
    Thor Delta N passes through max aerodynamic pressure (Max Q).
  3. Main engine cutoff (MECO)
    Main engine cutoff — the first stage shuts down as planned.
  4. Stage separation
    Stage separation — the first stage separates cleanly.
  5. Second-stage ignition
    Second-stage engine ignites for the next phase of flight.
  6. Orbit insertion
    Orbit insertion confirmed — the vehicle is now in SSO.
  7. Mission success
    Mission success — all objectives completed.

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