Thor-Delta: Difference between revisions
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The Thor-Delta was the first rocket to use the combination of a Thor missile and a Delta upper stage. This configuration was reused for a large number of later rockets, and a derivative, the [[Delta II]], remained in service into 2011. |
The Thor-Delta was the first rocket to use the combination of a Thor missile and a Delta upper stage. This configuration was reused for a large number of later rockets, and a derivative, the [[Delta II]], remained in service into 2011. |
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The Thor-Delta launched a number of significant payloads, including the first [[communications satellite]], [[Echo satellite|Echo 1A]]; the first [[United Kingdom|British]] satellite, [[Ariel 1]]; and the first active communications satellite, [[Telstar|Telstar 1]]. All 12 launches occurred from [[Cape Canaveral Air Force Station]] [[Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 17|Launch Complex 17]]. The launch of Telstar 1 used pad B, while all other launches were from pad A. All launches were successful except the maiden flight, which failed to place [[Echo satellite|Echo 1]] into orbit due a problem with the second stage. |
The Thor-Delta launched a number of significant payloads, including the first [[communications satellite]], [[Echo satellite|Echo 1A]]; the first [[United Kingdom|British]] satellite, [[Ariel 1]]; and the first active direct-relay communications satellite, [[Telstar|Telstar 1]]. All 12 launches occurred from [[Cape Canaveral Air Force Station]] [[Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 17|Launch Complex 17]]. The launch of Telstar 1 used pad B, while all other launches were from pad A. All launches were successful except the maiden flight, which failed to place [[Echo satellite|Echo 1]] into orbit due a problem with the second stage. |
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==References== |
==References== |
Revision as of 22:42, 21 May 2011
Function | Expendable launch system |
---|---|
Country of origin | United States |
Launch history | |
Status | Retired |
Launch sites | Cape Canaveral LC-17 |
Total launches | 12 |
Success(es) | 11 |
First flight | 1960-05-13 |
Last flight | 1962-09-18 |
The Thor-Delta, also known as Delta DM-19 or just Delta was an early American expendable launch system used for 12 orbital launches in the early 1960s. A derivative of the Thor-Able, it was a member of the Thor family of rockets, and the first member of the Delta family.
The first stage was a Thor missile in the DM-19 configuration. The second stage was the Delta, which had been derived from the earlier Able stage. An Altair solid rocket motor was used as a third stage.
The Thor-Delta was the first rocket to use the combination of a Thor missile and a Delta upper stage. This configuration was reused for a large number of later rockets, and a derivative, the Delta II, remained in service into 2011.
The Thor-Delta launched a number of significant payloads, including the first communications satellite, Echo 1A; the first British satellite, Ariel 1; and the first active direct-relay communications satellite, Telstar 1. All 12 launches occurred from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 17. The launch of Telstar 1 used pad B, while all other launches were from pad A. All launches were successful except the maiden flight, which failed to place Echo 1 into orbit due a problem with the second stage.
References
- Wade, Mark. "Delta". Encyclopedia Astronautica. Retrieved 2009-02-09.
- Krebs, Gunter. "Thor family". Gunter's Space Page. Retrieved 2009-02-09.