An intended lunar orbiter the vehicle was destroyed when the launch vehicle exploded due to a malfunction in the first stage. December 15, 1960 at 09:10 UTC · Launch Failure Atlas-Able — United States Air Force, to Lunar Orbit Launch Complex 12, Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA The world's 91st orbital launch attempt, and 37th of 1960. Data: Launch Library 2, The Space Devs. Image by United States Air Force (Department of Defense Image Use Policy) via The Space Devs.