The first pioneer orbiter, pioneer 0 was a lunar orbiter intended to enter a lunar orbit for observation. However, the mission failed 77 seconds into launch. August 17, 1958 at 12:18 UTC · Launch Failure Thor Able I — Army Ballistic Missile Agency, to Lunar Orbit Space Launch Complex 17A, Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA The world's 17th orbital launch attempt, and 14th of 1958. Data: Launch Library 2, The Space Devs.