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Thor-Agena A Launch Vehicle

Thor-Agena A was the first Thor-Agena configuration, combining a modified Thor IRBM with the short-tank Agena A upper stage. It inaugurated the family with Discoverer 1 on 28 February 1959, the first U.S. launch into a polar orbit, and supported the earliest Discoverer reconnaissance-development flights before Agena B superseded it.

Thor-Agena A 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 Agena AThor/Agena A
Family Name
Thor-Agena A
Full Name
Thor-Agena A Launch Vehicle
Status
retired
Type
rocket

Details

Description
Thor-Agena A was the first Thor-Agena configuration, combining a modified Thor IRBM with the short-tank Agena A upper stage. It inaugurated the family with Discoverer 1 on 28 February 1959, the first U.S. launch into a polar orbit, and supported the earliest Discoverer reconnaissance-development flights before Agena B superseded it.
Dimensions
Diameter
…
First Flight Year
1,959
Last Flight Year
1,960
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
      Variant Notes
      Migrated from legacy reference "Bell XLR81" without inventing a more precise installation.
Rocket Specs
Reusability
expendable
Stages Count
2

Links

Official Url
https://www.vandenberg.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/History/

Assets & Meta

Creation Time
July 13, 2026 at 13:21:12 UTC
Updated Time
July 29, 2026 at 15:42:05 UTC
Image
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