FunctionSounding rocket
Test vehicle
ASAT booster
Country of originUnited States
Launch history
Launch sitesCCAFS LC-17
Johnston Atoll LE-1 & LE-2
Total launches34
Success(es)28
Failure(s)6

The Thor DSV-2 was a series of sounding rockets, test vehicles, and anti-satellite weapons derived from the Thor Intermediate-range ballistic missile. It was also used as the first stage of several Thor-derived expendable launch systems.[1]

Variants

Thor DSV-2C

Thor DSV-2D

The DSV-2D was launched twice in 1962,[2] conducting suborbital research flights for the development of the Program 437 ASAT. It was a single-stage vehicle, consisting of a Thor DM-21. Launches were conducted from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 17A.

Thor DSV-2E

The DSV-2E was a single-stage vehicle, using a Thor DM-19. It was launched eight times in 1962,[3] including several nuclear weapons tests as part of Operation Fishbowl. Three launches failed, all of which were carrying live nuclear warheads. Launches were conducted from Launch Emplacements 1 and 2 on Johnston Atoll.

Thor DSV-2F

ASSET 1 Craft atop its Thor launch vehicle

The DSV-2F was a single-stage vehicle consisting of a Thor DM-19, like the DSV-2E. Three were launched between 1963 and 1964,[4] as part of Project ASSET, which involved launching a sub-scale mockup of the X-20 Dyna-Soar to test materials for the larger spacecraft. Launches were conducted from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 17B.

Thor DSV-2G

The DSV-2G was a two-stage rocket, consisting of a Thor DM-19 first stage, and a Delta second stage. Three were launched between 1965 and 1965 as part of Project ASSET. Launches were conducted from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 17B.

Thor DSV-2J

The DSV-2J was an operational nuclear anti-satellite weapon. 18 were launched between 1964 and 1975.[5] Most flights were non-intercept tests of the rocket's anti-satellite capabilities, however some later launches carried research payloads. Launches were conducted from Launch Emplacements 1 and 2 on Johnston Atoll.

References

  1. ↑ "Thor Family". Gunter's Space Page. Retrieved 2023-12-12.
  2. ↑ "Thor-DSV2D". Gunter's Space Page. Retrieved 2023-12-12.
  3. ↑ "Thor-DSV2E". Gunter's Space Page. Retrieved 2023-12-12.
  4. ↑ "Thor-DSV2F". Gunter's Space Page. Retrieved 2023-12-12.
  5. ↑ "Thor-DSV2J". Gunter's Space Page. Retrieved 2023-12-12.
  • Wade, Mark. "Delta". Encyclopedia Astronautica. Archived from the original on February 28, 2002. Retrieved 2009-02-09.
  • Krebs, Gunter. "Thor family". Gunter's Space Page. Retrieved 2009-02-09.
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