Space · launch vehicle

Thor DM-21 Ablestar

USAF RETIRED

At a glance

Launches

Success rate

68.4%

13 ok · 6 failed

Payload to LEO

150 kg

Payload to GTO

—

Manufacturer

United States Air Force

Status

Retired

First flight

13 Apr 1960

Reusable

Height

29 m

Diameter

1.44 m

Launch mass

51 t

Liftoff thrust

760 kN

Stages

Launch cost

—

Booster landings

—

Links

Wikipedia

About

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.

Source The Space Devs — Launch Library 2 Last checked 29 Sept 2026

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