The third pioneer orbiter, pioneer 2 intended to enter lunar orbit but failed to make orbit when the third stage failed to ignite. November 8, 1958 at 07:30 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 28th orbital launch attempt, and 25th of 1958. Data: Launch Library 2, The Space Devs.