LAUNCH MISSION
USAF Thor DM-21 Ablestar ANNA 1A
Launch Pad
Space Launch Complex 17B
Description
ANNA 1A (Army, Navy, NASA, Air Force) was the first dedicated satellite for geodesy. It featured Xenon flashing lights and radio transponders (SECOR) for tracking the satellite.
Thor DM-21 Ablestar
Rocket Description
The Thor-Ablestar, or Thor Able-Star, also known as Thor-Epsilon was an early American expendable launch system consisting of a PGM-17 Thor missile, with an Ablestar upper stage. It was a member of the Thor family of rockets, and was derived from the Thor-Able.