# Thor Able III

> American launch vehicle

**Wikidata**: [Q9358552](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q9358552)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/thor-able-iii

## Summary
Thor Able III was an American launch vehicle, specifically a variant of the Thor-Able rocket system, used for satellite launches and re-entry vehicle tests between 1958 and 1960. It is notable for its role in launching the Explorer 6 satellite in 1959, a key mission in early Earth science research.

## Key Facts
- Part of the Thor-Able rocket family, designed for re-entry vehicle tests and satellite launches
- Launched between 1958 and 1960, primarily for NASA missions
- Used the Thor DM-18 Able-3 configuration
- Launched the Explorer 6 satellite in 1959, a NASA Earth science mission
- Developed by the United States as part of early space exploration efforts
- Operated as an expendable launch system
- Primarily used for suborbital and orbital testing of re-entry vehicles
- Successor to earlier Thor-Able variants

## FAQs
### Q: What was the primary purpose of Thor Able III?
A: Thor Able III was primarily used for launching satellites and conducting re-entry vehicle tests, including the successful deployment of the Explorer 6 satellite in 1959.

### Q: When was Thor Able III active?
A: Thor Able III was active between 1958 and 1960, operating during the early years of the U.S. space program.

### Q: What was the significance of Explorer 6 in relation to Thor Able III?
A: Explorer 6 was a NASA Earth science satellite launched by Thor Able III in 1959, marking a key milestone in early space-based environmental research.

### Q: How does Thor Able III differ from other Thor-Able variants?
A: Thor Able III, specifically the Thor DM-18 Able-3 configuration, was one of several variants used in the Thor-Able program, each tailored for different mission requirements.

### Q: What was the Thor-Able program?
A: The Thor-Able program was an American expendable launch system and sounding rocket used for re-entry vehicle tests and satellite launches between 1958 and 1960.

## Why It Matters
Thor Able III played a crucial role in the early days of the U.S. space program, contributing to the development of satellite technology and re-entry vehicle testing. Its most notable mission was the launch of Explorer 6 in 1959, which provided valuable data on Earth's magnetic field and radiation belts. As part of the Thor-Able family, it was instrumental in advancing the understanding of spaceflight mechanics and atmospheric re-entry. While its operational period was brief, its contributions laid the groundwork for future space exploration efforts.

## Notable For
- Successfully launched the Explorer 6 satellite, a pivotal NASA Earth science mission
- Part of the Thor-Able rocket family, which pioneered re-entry vehicle testing
- Operated during the formative years of the U.S. space program (1958–1960)
- Used the Thor DM-18 Able-3 configuration, a specific variant of the Thor-Able system
- Contributed to early advancements in satellite deployment and space-based research

## Body
### Overview
Thor Able III was a variant of the Thor-Able rocket system, an American expendable launch vehicle developed for satellite launches and re-entry vehicle tests. It was active between 1958 and 1960, operating during a critical period in the early U.S. space program.

### Mission Profile
Thor Able III was primarily used for launching satellites and conducting re-entry vehicle tests. Its most notable mission was the deployment of Explorer 6 in 1959, a NASA Earth science satellite that provided significant data on Earth's magnetic field and radiation belts.

### Technical Specifications
Thor Able III utilized the Thor DM-18 Able-3 configuration, which was part of the broader Thor-Able family. The rocket was designed to support suborbital and orbital testing of re-entry vehicles, contributing to the development of spaceflight technology.

### Historical Context
Thor Able III operated alongside other Thor-Able variants, each tailored for specific mission requirements. The program was a key part of early space exploration efforts, helping to establish foundational knowledge for future space missions.

### Legacy
While Thor Able III's operational period was brief, its contributions to satellite technology and re-entry vehicle testing were significant. Its role in launching Explorer 6 underscores its importance in the early development of space-based research.