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-2A
The DSV-2A was a two-stage rocket, consisting of a DSV-2A / MB-3-II first stage, and a Able-Star / AJ10-104D second stage.[2] It was launched eight times between 1963 and 1965 from Vandenberg.[2]
S/N
Date
Launch Site
Payload
Result
Thor 375
1963-09-28
VA LC-75
Transit 5BN-1 / Transit 5E-1
Success
Thor 385
1963-12-05
VA LC-75
Transit 5BN-2 / Transit 5E-3
Success
Thor 379
1964-04-21
VA LC-75
Transit 5BN-3 / Transit 5E-2
Failure
Thor 423
1964-10-06
VA LC-75
Transit-O 1/ Dragsphere 1 / Dragsphere 2
Thor 427
1964-12-13
VA LC-75
Transit-O 2 / Transit 5E-5
Thor 440
1965-03-11
VA LC-75
Transit-O 3 / SECOR 2
Partial sucess
Thor 447
1965-06-24
VA LC-75
Transit-O 4
Thor 455
1965-08-13
VA LC-75
Transit-O 5 / Dodecapole 2 / Long Rod / Tempsat 1 / Surcal 5 / Calsphere 2
Thor DSV-2D
The DSV-2D was launched twice in 1962,[3] 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 StationLaunch Complex 17A.
S/N
Date
Launch Site
Payload
Orbit
Thor 337
1962-01-15
CCAFS LC-17A
Big Shot 1 (AVT 1)
Suborbital
Thor 338
1962-07-18
CCAFS LC-17A
Big Shot 2 (AVT 2)
Suborbital
Thor DSV-2E
The DSV-2E was a single-stage vehicle, using a Thor DM-19. It was launched eight times in 1962, including several nuclear weapons tests as part of Operation Fishbowl.[4] Four launches failed, all of which were carrying live nuclear warheads.[4] Launches were conducted from Launch Emplacements 1 and 2 on Johnston Atoll.
Radar contact lost 5 minutes after launch. RSO destruct command sent.
Thor 193
1962-06-20
Johnston LE-1
Starfish
Suborbital
RVs caused turbine exhaust gas to enter the thrust section, overheating and weakening the engine mounts. Engine broke loose and ruptured the propellant tanks T+59 seconds. Warhead destroyed by RSO T+65 seconds.
Stuck LOX valve caused loss of thrust and fire on the launch stand. Range Safety Officer destroyed the missile and warhead. Launch area extensively contaminated with plutonium.
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, as part of Project ASSET,[5] 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 StationLaunch Complex 17B.
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 1964 and 1965 as part of Project ASSET.[6] Launches were conducted from Cape Canaveral Air Force StationLaunch Complex 17B.
The DSV-2J was an operational nuclear anti-satellite weapon. 18 were launched between 1964 and 1975.[7] 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.