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Thor-Delta C Launch Vehicle

Thor-Delta C, also called Standard Delta, upgraded the three-stage Delta with an AJ10-118D second stage and a higher-thrust Altair A-258 third stage. Ten vehicles flew for NASA from November 1963 through March 1967: eight completed nominal ascents, TIROS 9 reached an unintended elliptical orbit after a launch-vehicle malfunction, and the OSO-C flight failed during third-stage operation.

Thor-Delta C 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
Delta CThor Delta CStandard DeltaDSV-3C
Family Name
Thor-Delta C
Full Name
Thor-Delta C Launch Vehicle
Status
retired
Type
rocket
Variant Name
C

Details

Description
Thor-Delta C, also called Standard Delta, upgraded the three-stage Delta with an AJ10-118D second stage and a higher-thrust Altair A-258 third stage. Ten vehicles flew for NASA from November 1963 through March 1967: eight completed nominal ascents, TIROS 9 reached an unintended elliptical orbit after a launch-vehicle malfunction, and the OSO-C flight failed during third-stage operation.
First Flight Year
1,963
Last Flight Year
1,967
Manufacturer
Operator
Parent Vehicle Family
Rocket Specs
Reusability
expendable
Stages Count
3

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Creation Time
July 18, 2026 at 05:41:24 UTC
Updated Time
July 19, 2026 at 10:01:12 UTC

Other

Search Name
Thor-Delta C Launch Vehicle Delta C Thor Delta C Standard Delta DSV-3C