The second pioneer orbiter, pioneer 1 intended to enter lunar orbit but missed the Moon after a third stage partial failure. October 11, 1958 at 08:42 UTC · Launch Successful Thor Able I — Army Ballistic Missile Agency, to Lunar Orbit Space Launch Complex 17A, Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA The world's 25th orbital launch attempt, and 22nd of 1958. Data: Launch Library 2, The Space Devs.