Skip to content
79,433 pages · 13,741 images · since 1994 Browse A–Z Today in space history
Encyclopedia Astronautica The full story of spaceflight
Encyclopedia entry

Thor Able IV

Launch vehicle · USA

Original archive entry. The text, images and links below are kept as they were written.

American orbital launch vehicle. Three stage vehicle consisting of 1 x Thor DM-18A + 1 x AJ10 + 1 x Altair

More at: Thor Able IV.

Country
USA
Spacecraft
Pioneer 5
Agency
Douglas

Chronology

1 event

1960 March 11

13:00 GMT - . Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: Cape Canaveral LC17A. LV Family: Thor. Launch Vehicle: Thor Able IV.
  • Pioneer 5 - . Payload: Pioneer P 2 / Able 6. Mass: 43 kg (94 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Program: Pioneer. Class: Astronomy. Type: Solar satellite. Spacecraft: Pioneer 5. USAF Sat Cat: 27 . COSPAR: 1960-Alpha-1.

    An Air Force Thor/Able IV booster launched the NASA Pioneer V spacecraft on its journey to Venus. The satellite measured radiation and magnetic fields between Earth and Venus. The last scientific measurements were transmitted back to Earth on 26 June, three and one-half months after launch, from almost 22.5 million miles in space. Pioneer V was by far the most successful space probe yet launched. AFBMD and Space Technology Laboratories managed the Pioneer V satellite, payload, and booster for NASA and provided launch services at Cape Canaveral. Solar research. Solar Orbit (Heliocentric). Spacecraft engaged in research and exploration of the upper atmosphere or outer space (US Cat B).