Thor-Able
Description
The Thor-Able was an American expendable launch system and sounding rocket used for a series of re-entry vehicle tests and satellite launches between 1958 and 1960. It was a two-stage rocket, consisting of a Thor IRBM as a first stage and a Vanguard-derived Able second stage. On some flights, an Altair solid rocket motor was added as a third stage.
Missions
7
Success Rate
50.0%
Successes
3
Failures
3
Success Streak
2
Partial Failures
1
Previous
April 1, 1960
TIROS-1
Thor DM-18 Able-II | US Air Force
Cape Canaveral SFS, Florida, USA
March 11, 1960
Pioneer 5
Thor DM-18 Able-IV | US Air Force
Cape Canaveral SFS, Florida, USA
Configurations
Retired
Thor DM-18 Able-IV
Active in 1960
Stages
3
Retired
Thor DM-18 Able-III
Active in 1959
Stages
3
Retired
Thor DM-18 Able-II
Active 1959 to 1960
Stages
3
Retired
Thor DM-18 Able-I
Active in 1958
Rocket
Height: 27m
Payload to Orbit
LEO: 120 kg
Stages
3