# Thor Able II

> American launch vehicle

**Wikidata**: [Q9358551](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q9358551)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/thor-able-ii

## Summary
Thor Able II was an American launch vehicle, specifically a variant of the Thor-Able rocket, used for re-entry vehicle tests and satellite launches between 1958 and 1960. It was part of the early U.S. space program, contributing to the development of satellite technology and re-entry systems.

## Key Facts
- **Instance of**: Rocket model
- **Subclass of**: Thor-Able
- **Aliases**: Thor DM-18 Able-2
- **Country of origin**: United States
- **Active period**: 1958–1960
- **Related to**: TIROS-1 (first American weather satellite)
- **Wikipedia languages**: Polish (pl)
- **Google Knowledge Graph ID**: /g/1210gscn

## FAQs
### Q: What was the Thor Able II used for?
A: The Thor Able II was primarily used for re-entry vehicle tests and satellite launches, including the deployment of the TIROS-1 weather satellite in 1958.

### Q: How does Thor Able II relate to the Thor-Able class?
A: Thor Able II is a specific variant of the Thor-Able rocket family, which was an American expendable launch system used for early space missions.

### Q: What was the significance of Thor Able II in space exploration?
A: Thor Able II played a key role in early satellite launches, including the successful deployment of TIROS-1, the first operational weather satellite.

### Q: When was Thor Able II retired?
A: Thor Able II was retired by 1960, as the Thor-Able program was phased out after completing its primary missions.

### Q: What distinguishes Thor Able II from other rockets of its time?
A: Thor Able II was notable for its role in testing re-entry vehicles and launching early satellites, contributing to the U.S. lead in space technology.

## Why It Matters
Thor Able II was a critical component of the early U.S. space program, particularly in the development of satellite technology and re-entry systems. Its launches, including the deployment of TIROS-1, marked significant milestones in weather forecasting and space exploration. The Thor-Able rocket family, of which Thor Able II was a part, helped establish the U.S. as a leader in early space missions. While its active period was brief, its contributions laid the groundwork for future advancements in spaceflight.

## Notable For
- **First U.S. weather satellite**: Launched TIROS-1, the first operational weather satellite.
- **Re-entry vehicle testing**: Contributed to the development of re-entry technologies crucial for later space missions.
- **Early satellite launches**: Played a key role in the U.S. space program’s early satellite deployment efforts.
- **Part of the Thor-Able family**: A variant of the Thor-Able rocket, which was instrumental in early space exploration.

## Body
### Overview
Thor Able II was a variant of the Thor-Able rocket, an American expendable launch system used for re-entry vehicle tests and satellite launches between 1958 and 1960. It was part of the broader Thor-Able program, which aimed to advance space technology and satellite deployment.

### Role in Space Missions
Thor Able II was responsible for launching the TIROS-1 satellite, the first operational weather satellite, in 1958. This mission was a major milestone in weather forecasting and space exploration. The rocket also conducted re-entry vehicle tests, contributing to the development of technologies needed for future space missions.

### Technical Specifications
Thor Able II was part of the Thor-Able family, which included the Thor DM-18 Able-2 variant. The rocket was designed to carry payloads into orbit and test re-entry systems. Its active period was brief, ending by 1960 as the Thor-Able program was phased out.

### Legacy
Thor Able II played a crucial role in the early U.S. space program, helping to establish the nation’s leadership in satellite technology and re-entry systems. While its active period was short, its contributions were foundational for later advancements in spaceflight.