February 22, 1961 at 03:45 UTC · Launch was a Partial Failure Why: Failed to seperate from upper stage, failed to place into correct orbit. Thor DM-21 Ablestar — United States Air Force Space Launch Complex 17B, Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA The world's 100th orbital launch attempt, and 7th of 1961. Data: Launch Library 2, The Space Devs. Image via The Space Devs.