- 10.11.58: Launch (08:42:13)
- Status: Burned Up in Earth's Atmosphere
- ionization chamber
- magnetometer
- micrometeoroid detector
- NOTS infrared imaging system
- temperature sensor
Able 2 was very similar to Able 1. It was also an attempt at orbiting a satellite around the moon. Unfortunately, it also suffered from difficulties as Able 1 had.
After launch, the second stage engines shut down ten seconds early because of a faulty accelerometer. There wasn't enough velocity to allow the craft to escape the Earth's gravity.
Later, technicians attempted to further boost Able 1 into a high Earth orbit using the craft's retromotor, but internal temperatures had decreased too far, nearly killing the battery.
The aircraft made it as high as 115,400 kilometers, allowing its sensors to verify the existence of the Van Allen radiation belts discovered by Explorer 1. It also provided other useful data during its short 43 hour and 17 minute ride. Later, the mission name was changed to Pioneer 1.