TIROS-1 was the first successful low-Earth orbital weather satellite, and the first of a series of Television Infrared Observation Satellites. April 1, 1960 at 11:40 UTC · Launch Successful Thor Able II — United States Air Force, to Low Earth Orbit Space Launch Complex 17A, Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA The world's 60th orbital launch attempt, and 6th of 1960. Data: Launch Library 2, The Space Devs.