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Thor-Able III Launch Vehicle

Thor-Able III was the three-stage configuration that successfully launched Explorer 6 into a highly elliptical orbit on 7 August 1959. Explorer 6 tested digital telemetry, studied radiation and magnetic fields, and transmitted an early image of Earth's cloud cover.

Thor-Able III Launch Vehicle
NASA Marshall Space Flight Center · NASA asset; NASA’s 9141922 catalog identifies Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) and describes the exact Thor/Able 3 launch carrying Explorer VI, with no third-party photographer or copyright holder listed. NASA’s current Images and Media Usage Guidelines generally permit factual or informational/editorial use with NASA attribution and without implying NASA endorsement. Commercial, promotional, merchandise, logo/insignia, or other protected-rights uses may require separate clearance; verify any third-party rights if later identified. · Source
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Identity

Aliases
Thor Able III
Family Name
Thor-Able III
Full Name
Thor-Able III Launch Vehicle
Status
retired
Type
rocket

Details

Description
Thor-Able III was the three-stage configuration that successfully launched Explorer 6 into a highly elliptical orbit on 7 August 1959. Explorer 6 tested digital telemetry, studied radiation and magnetic fields, and transmitted an early image of Earth's cloud cover.
Dimensions
Diameter
…
First Flight Year
1,959
Last Flight Year
1,959
Operator
Parent Vehicle Family
Propulsion Configurations
  • Entries
    • Count
      1
      Placement
      core
      Propulsion System
      Role
      main
      Variant Notes
      Migrated from legacy reference "Rocketdyne LR79" without inventing a more precise installation.
    • Count
      1
      Placement
      upper
      Propulsion System
      Role
      upper-stage
    • Count
      1
      Placement
      upper
      Propulsion System
      Role
      upper-stage
Rocket Specs
Reusability
expendable
Stages Count
3

Links

Official Url
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/19880016045/downloads/19880016045.pdf

Assets & Meta

Creation Time
July 13, 2026 at 12:56:10 UTC
Updated Time
July 29, 2026 at 15:41:56 UTC
Image
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