Thor-Able Launch Vehicle Family
Thor-Able combined a Douglas Thor first stage with the Aerojet Able liquid-propellant upper stage derived from Vanguard and, for some missions, a solid third stage. First developed for full-range reentry tests, Thor-Able configurations launched the first U.S. lunar attempts, Explorer 6, Pioneer 5, and TIROS 1 between 1958 and 1960.
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Identity
- Aliases
- Thor AbleThor/Able
- Family Name
- Thor-Able
- Full Name
- Thor-Able Launch Vehicle Family
- Status
- retired
- Type
- rocket
Details
- Description
- Thor-Able combined a Douglas Thor first stage with the Aerojet Able liquid-propellant upper stage derived from Vanguard and, for some missions, a solid third stage. First developed for full-range reentry tests, Thor-Able configurations launched the first U.S. lunar attempts, Explorer 6, Pioneer 5, and TIROS 1 between 1958 and 1960.
- Dimensions
- Diameter M
- 2.44
- First Flight Year
- 1,958
- Last Flight Year
- 1,960
- Parent Vehicle Family
- Rocket Specs
- Reusability
- expendable
Links
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- Creation Time
- July 13, 2026 at 12:53:14 UTC
- Updated Time
- July 19, 2026 at 09:58:10 UTC
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Other
- Search Name
- Thor-Able Launch Vehicle Family Thor Able Thor/Able