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 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.[3] Four launches failed, all of which were carrying live nuclear warheads.[3] Launches were conducted from Launch Emplacements 1 and 2 on Johnston Atoll.
S/N
Date
Launch Site
Payload
Orbit
Result
Thor 177
1962-05-02
Johnston LE-1
Tigerfish (R/D)
Suborbital
Success
Thor 199
1962-06-04
Johnston LE-1
Bluegill
Suborbital
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,[4] 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.[5] 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.[6] 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.