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Thor-Able IV Launch Vehicle

Thor-Able IV was the deep-space configuration that successfully launched Pioneer 5 into heliocentric orbit on 11 March 1960. The mission demonstrated long-range digital telemetry and produced the first map of the interplanetary magnetic field between Earth and Venus.

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

Details

Description
Thor-Able IV was the deep-space configuration that successfully launched Pioneer 5 into heliocentric orbit on 11 March 1960. The mission demonstrated long-range digital telemetry and produced the first map of the interplanetary magnetic field between Earth and Venus.
Dimensions
Diameter M
2.44
First Flight Year
1,960
Last Flight Year
1,960
Operator
Parent Vehicle Family
Propulsion Configurations
  • Entries
    • Nested value
    • Nested value
    • Nested value
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 12:56:15 UTC
Updated Time
July 29, 2026 at 15:41:59 UTC
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Thor-Able IV Launch Vehicle Thor Able IV