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Thor Agena B
Part of Thor
Thor Agena D Credit: US Air Force |
American orbital launch vehicle. Two stage vehicle consisting of 1 x Thor DM-21 + 1 x Agena B
AKA: SLV-2. Status: Retired 1963. First Launch: 1960-10-26. Last Launch: 1963-01-16. Number: 40 . Thrust: 667.20 kN (149,993 lbf). Gross mass: 56,507 kg (124,576 lb). Height: 31.00 m (101.00 ft). Diameter: 2.44 m (8.00 ft). Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).
LEO Payload: 400 kg (880 lb) to a 1,000 km orbit at 100.00 degrees. Flyaway Unit Cost 1985$: 19.560 million.
Stage Data - Thor Agena B
- Stage 1. 1 x Thor DM-19. Gross Mass: 49,340 kg (108,770 lb). Empty Mass: 3,125 kg (6,889 lb). Thrust (vac): 758.711 kN (170,565 lbf). Isp: 282 sec. Burn time: 165 sec. Isp(sl): 248 sec. Diameter: 2.44 m (8.00 ft). Span: 2.44 m (8.00 ft). Length: 18.42 m (60.43 ft). Propellants: Lox/Kerosene. No Engines: 1. Engine: LR-79-7. Status: Out of Production.
- Stage 2. 1 x Agena B. Gross Mass: 7,167 kg (15,800 lb). Empty Mass: 867 kg (1,911 lb). Thrust (vac): 71.166 kN (15,999 lbf). Isp: 285 sec. Burn time: 240 sec. Diameter: 1.52 m (4.98 ft). Span: 1.52 m (4.98 ft). Length: 7.09 m (23.26 ft). Propellants: Nitric acid/UDMH. No Engines: 1. Engine: Bell 8081. Status: Out of Production.
Family:
orbital launch vehicle.
Country:
USA.
Engines:
LR79-7,
Bell 8081.
Spacecraft:
Midas,
KH-2,
KH-5,
KH-3,
Oscar,
Ferret,
KH-4,
ERS,
Alouette,
TAVE.
Projects:
ELINT.
Launch Sites:
Vandenberg,
Vandenberg SLC2E,
Vandenberg SLC1W,
Vandenberg SLC1E.
Stages:
Agena B,
Thor DM-21.
Agency:
Douglas.
Photo Gallery
| Thor Agena B Thor Agena B - 1962 |
| Thor Agena B Thor Agena B - COSPAR 1964-052 |
1960 October 26 - .
20:26 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Vandenberg.
Launch Complex:
Vandenberg SLC1W.
LV Family:
Thor.
Launch Vehicle:
Thor Agena B.
FAILURE: Failure.
Failed Stage: U.
- Discoverer 16 - .
Payload: KH-2 9011. Mass: 1,091 kg (2,405 lb). Nation: USA.
Agency: USAF.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft Bus: WS-117.
Spacecraft: KH-2.
Decay Date: 1960-10-26 . KH-1; mission failed..
- SRV 506 - .
Mass: 1,146 kg (2,526 lb). Nation: USA.
Agency: USAF.
Spacecraft Bus: WS-117.
Spacecraft: KH-2.
1960 November 12 - .
20:43 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Vandenberg.
Launch Complex:
Vandenberg SLC1E.
LV Family:
Thor.
Launch Vehicle:
Thor Agena B.
- Discoverer 17 - .
Payload: KH-2 9012 / Agena B 1062. Mass: 1,091 kg (2,405 lb). Nation: USA.
Agency: USAF.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft Bus: WS-117.
Spacecraft: KH-2.
Decay Date: 1960-12-29 . USAF Sat Cat: 61 . COSPAR: 1960-Omicron-1. Apogee: 984 km (611 mi). Perigee: 190 km (110 mi). Inclination: 81.70 deg. Period: 96.40 min.
The second Thor/Agena B to be launched from Vandenberg AFB was the first successful flight of the more advanced Lockheed Agena B upper stage. KH-1; film capsule recovered 2.1 days later. Mission failed. Obtained orbit successfully. Film separated before any camera operation leaving only 1.7 ft of film in capsule. On December 2, the Air Force revealed that exceedingly valuable information had been obtained from human tissues carried by Discoverer 17 (the cover story for the mission). The tissues had been exposed to an unexpectedly heavy dose of radiation for more than 50 hours in flight.
1960 December 7 - .
20:20 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Vandenberg.
Launch Complex:
Vandenberg SLC1W.
LV Family:
Thor.
Launch Vehicle:
Thor Agena B.
- Discoverer 18 - .
Payload: KH-2 9013 / Agena B 1103. Mass: 1,240 kg (2,730 lb). Nation: USA.
Agency: USAF.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft Bus: WS-117.
Spacecraft: KH-2.
Decay Date: 1961-04-02 . USAF Sat Cat: 67 . COSPAR: 1960-Sigma-1. Apogee: 510 km (310 mi). Perigee: 233 km (144 mi). Inclination: 81.50 deg. Period: 92.00 min. KH-2; film capsule recovered 3.1 days later. First successful mission employing KH-2 camera system..
1960 December 20 - .
20:32 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Vandenberg.
Launch Complex:
Vandenberg SLC1E.
LV Family:
Thor.
Launch Vehicle:
Thor Agena B.
- Discoverer 19 - .
Payload: Midas test payload. Mass: 1,060 kg (2,330 lb). Nation: USA.
Agency: USAF.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Early warning satellite. Spacecraft Bus: WS-117.
Spacecraft: Midas.
Decay Date: 1961-01-23 . USAF Sat Cat: 68 . COSPAR: 1960-Tau-1. Apogee: 359 km (223 mi). Perigee: 186 km (115 mi). Inclination: 83.40 deg. Period: 90.00 min. A Thor/Agena B vehicle successfully launched Discoverer XIX into a polar orbit from Vandenberg AFB. The spacecraft carried a Project MIDAS test payload. Tested IR sensors for Midas program; did not carry camera or film capsule. .
1961 February 17 - .
20:25 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Vandenberg.
Launch Complex:
Vandenberg SLC1W.
LV Family:
Thor.
Launch Vehicle:
Thor Agena B.
- Discoverer 20 - .
Payload: KH-5 s/n 9014A / Agena B 1104. Mass: 1,110 kg (2,440 lb). Nation: USA.
Agency: USN.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft Bus: WS-117.
Spacecraft: KH-5.
Decay Date: 1962-07-28 . USAF Sat Cat: 83 . COSPAR: 1961-Epsilon-1. Apogee: 491 km (305 mi). Perigee: 277 km (172 mi). Inclination: 80.80 deg. Period: 92.30 min. KH-5; film capsule not ejected. Mission failed. Program malfunctioned and capsule did not reenter. First attempted ARGON mission. Officially: Spacecraft Engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A)..
- SRV 520 - .
Mass: 1,274 kg (2,808 lb). Nation: USA.
Agency: USAF.
Spacecraft Bus: WS-117.
Spacecraft: KH-5.
Decay Date: 1961-10-31 . USAF Sat Cat: 90 . COSPAR: 1961-Epsilon-4. Apogee: 327 km (203 mi). Perigee: 321 km (199 mi). Inclination: 80.70 deg. Period: 91.00 min.
1961 February 18 - .
22:58 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Vandenberg.
Launch Complex:
Vandenberg SLC1E.
LV Family:
Thor.
Launch Vehicle:
Thor Agena B.
- Discoverer 21 - .
Payload: Midas test payload. Mass: 1,110 kg (2,440 lb). Nation: USA.
Agency: USN.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Early warning satellite. Spacecraft Bus: WS-117.
Spacecraft: Midas.
Decay Date: 1962-04-20 . USAF Sat Cat: 84 . COSPAR: 1961-Zeta-1. Apogee: 458 km (284 mi). Perigee: 212 km (131 mi). Inclination: 80.60 deg. Period: 91.30 min. Tested IR sensors for Midas program; did not carry camera or film capsule..
1961 March 30 - .
20:34 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Vandenberg.
Launch Complex:
Vandenberg SLC1W.
LV Family:
Thor.
Launch Vehicle:
Thor Agena B.
FAILURE: Failure.
Failed Stage: U.
- Discoverer 22 - .
Payload: KH-2 9015. Mass: 1,150 kg (2,530 lb). Nation: USA.
Agency: USAF.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft Bus: WS-117.
Spacecraft: KH-2.
Decay Date: 1961-03-30 . KH-2; Mission failed..
- SRV 509 - .
Mass: 1,146 kg (2,526 lb). Nation: USA.
Agency: USAF.
Spacecraft Bus: WS-117.
Spacecraft: KH-2.
1961 April 8 - .
19:21 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Vandenberg.
Launch Complex:
Vandenberg SLC1E.
LV Family:
Thor.
Launch Vehicle:
Thor Agena B.
- Discoverer 23 - .
Payload: KH-5 s/n 9016A / Agena B 1106 / Capsule SRV 521. Mass: 1,150 kg (2,530 lb). Nation: USA.
Agency: USAF.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft Bus: WS-117.
Spacecraft: KH-5.
Decay Date: 1962-04-16 . USAF Sat Cat: 100 . COSPAR: 1961-Lambda-1. Apogee: 651 km (404 mi). Perigee: 295 km (183 mi). Inclination: 82.30 deg. Period: 94.10 min. KH-5; film capsule boosted into higher orbit, decayed 5/23/62. Mission failed. Loss of satellite control gas caused unstable condition. No recovery. Officially: Spacecraft Engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A)..
1961 June 8 - .
21:16 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Vandenberg.
Launch Complex:
Vandenberg SLC1W.
LV Family:
Thor.
Launch Vehicle:
Thor Agena B.
FAILURE: Failure.
Failed Stage: U.
- Discoverer 24 - .
Payload: KH-5 s/n 9018A. Mass: 1,150 kg (2,530 lb). Nation: USA.
Agency: USAF.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft Bus: WS-117.
Spacecraft: KH-5.
Decay Date: 1961-06-08 . KH-5. Mission failed..
- SRV 541 - .
Mass: 1,274 kg (2,808 lb). Nation: USA.
Agency: USAF.
Spacecraft Bus: WS-117.
Spacecraft: KH-5.
1961 June 16 - .
23:02 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Vandenberg.
Launch Complex:
Vandenberg SLC2E.
LV Family:
Thor.
Launch Vehicle:
Thor Agena B.
- Discoverer 25 - .
Payload: KH-2 9017 / Agena B 1107. Mass: 1,150 kg (2,530 lb). Nation: USA.
Agency: USAF.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft Bus: WS-117.
Spacecraft: KH-2.
Decay Date: 1961-07-12 . USAF Sat Cat: 108 . COSPAR: 1961-Xi-1. Apogee: 404 km (251 mi). Perigee: 222 km (137 mi). Inclination: 82.10 deg. Period: 90.80 min. KH-2; film capsule recovered 2.1 days later. Capsule recovered from water on orbit 32. Streaks throughout film..
1961 July 7 - .
23:29 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Vandenberg.
Launch Complex:
Vandenberg SLC1E.
LV Family:
Thor.
Launch Vehicle:
Thor Agena B.
- Discoverer 26 - .
Payload: KH-2 9019 / Agena B 1109. Mass: 1,150 kg (2,530 lb). Nation: USA.
Agency: USAF.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft Bus: WS-117.
Spacecraft: KH-2.
Decay Date: 1961-12-05 . USAF Sat Cat: 160 . COSPAR: 1961-Pi-1. Apogee: 803 km (498 mi). Perigee: 228 km (141 mi). Inclination: 82.90 deg. Period: 94.90 min. KH-2; film capsule recovered 2.1 days later. Main camera malfunctioned on pass 22..
1961 July 21 - .
22:35 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Vandenberg.
Launch Complex:
Vandenberg SLC1W.
LV Family:
Thor.
Launch Vehicle:
Thor Agena B.
FAILURE: Failure.
Failed Stage: U.
- Discoverer 27 - .
Payload: KH-5 s/n 9020A. Mass: 1,150 kg (2,530 lb). Nation: USA.
Agency: USAF.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft Bus: WS-117.
Spacecraft: KH-5.
Decay Date: 1961-07-21 . KH-5; destroyed by range safety. Mission failed..
- SRV 524 - .
Mass: 1,274 kg (2,808 lb). Nation: USA.
Agency: USAF.
Spacecraft Bus: WS-117.
Spacecraft: KH-5.
1961 August 4 - .
00:01 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Vandenberg.
Launch Complex:
Vandenberg SLC2E.
LV Family:
Thor.
Launch Vehicle:
Thor Agena B.
FAILURE: Failure.
Failed Stage: U.
- Discoverer 28 - .
Payload: KH-2 9021. Mass: 1,150 kg (2,530 lb). Nation: USA.
Agency: USAF.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft Bus: WS-117.
Spacecraft: KH-2.
Decay Date: 1961-08-03 . KH-2; Mission failed..
- SRV 512 - .
Mass: 1,146 kg (2,526 lb). Nation: USA.
Agency: USAF.
Spacecraft Bus: WS-117.
Spacecraft: KH-2.
1961 August 30 - .
20:00 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Vandenberg.
Launch Complex:
Vandenberg SLC1W.
LV Family:
Thor.
Launch Vehicle:
Thor Agena B.
- Discoverer 29 - .
Payload: KH-3 s/n 9023 / Agena B 1112. Mass: 1,150 kg (2,530 lb). Nation: USA.
Agency: USAF.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft Bus: WS-117.
Spacecraft: KH-3.
Decay Date: 1961-09-09 . USAF Sat Cat: 181 . COSPAR: 1961-Psi-1. Apogee: 542 km (336 mi). Perigee: 152 km (94 mi). Inclination: 82.10 deg. Period: 91.50 min. KH-3; film capsule recovered 2.1 days later. First use of KH-3 camera system. All frames out of focus..
1961 September 12 - .
19:59 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Vandenberg.
Launch Complex:
Vandenberg SLC1E.
LV Family:
Thor.
Launch Vehicle:
Thor Agena B.
- Discoverer 30 - .
Payload: KH-3 s/n 9022 / Agena B 1113. Mass: 1,150 kg (2,530 lb). Nation: USA.
Agency: USAF.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft Bus: WS-117.
Spacecraft: KH-3.
Decay Date: 1961-12-11 . USAF Sat Cat: 182 . COSPAR: 1961-Omega-1. Apogee: 557 km (346 mi). Perigee: 219 km (136 mi). Inclination: 82.50 deg. Period: 92.30 min. KH-3; film capsule recovered 2.1 days later. Best mission to date. Same out-of-focus condition as in 9023..
1961 September 17 - .
21:00 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Vandenberg.
Launch Complex:
Vandenberg SLC2E.
LV Family:
Thor.
Launch Vehicle:
Thor Agena B.
- Discoverer 31 - .
Payload: KH-3 s/n 9024 / Agena B 1114. Mass: 1,150 kg (2,530 lb). Nation: USA.
Agency: USAF.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft Bus: WS-117.
Spacecraft: KH-3.
Decay Date: 1961-10-26 . USAF Sat Cat: 186 . COSPAR: 1961-A-Beta-1. Apogee: 403 km (250 mi). Perigee: 231 km (143 mi). Inclination: 82.60 deg. Period: 90.80 min. KH-3; film capsule recovery failed. Mission failed. Power failure and loss of control gas on orbit 33..
1961 October 13 - .
19:22 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Vandenberg.
Launch Complex:
Vandenberg SLC1W.
LV Family:
Thor.
Launch Vehicle:
Thor Agena B.
- Discoverer 32 - .
Payload: KH-3 s/n 9025 / Agena B 1115. Mass: 1,150 kg (2,530 lb). Nation: USA.
Agency: USAF.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft Bus: WS-117.
Spacecraft: KH-3.
Decay Date: 1961-11-13 . USAF Sat Cat: 189 . COSPAR: 1961-A-Gamma-1. Apogee: 391 km (242 mi). Perigee: 233 km (144 mi). Inclination: 81.60 deg. Period: 90.70 min. The 100th successful firing of a Thor placed Discoverer XXXII in orbit. KH-3; film capsule recovered 1.1 days later. Capsule recovered on orbit 18. 96% of film out of focus..
1961 October 23 - .
19:23 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Vandenberg.
Launch Complex:
Vandenberg SLC1E.
LV Family:
Thor.
Launch Vehicle:
Thor Agena B.
FAILURE: Failure.
Failed Stage: U.
- Discoverer 33 - .
Payload: KH-3 s/n 9026. Mass: 1,150 kg (2,530 lb). Nation: USA.
Agency: USAF.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft Bus: WS-117.
Spacecraft: KH-3.
Decay Date: 1961-10-23 . KH-3; Mission failed..
- SRV 513 - .
Mass: 1,250 kg (2,750 lb). Nation: USA.
Agency: USAF.
Spacecraft Bus: WS-117.
Spacecraft: KH-3.
1961 November 5 - .
20:00 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Vandenberg.
Launch Complex:
Vandenberg SLC2E.
LV Family:
Thor.
Launch Vehicle:
Thor Agena B.
- Discoverer 34 - .
Payload: KH-3 s/n 9027 / Agena B 1117. Mass: 1,150 kg (2,530 lb). Nation: USA.
Agency: USAF.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft Bus: WS-117.
Spacecraft: KH-3.
Decay Date: 1962-12-07 . USAF Sat Cat: 197 . COSPAR: 1961-A-Epsilon-1. Apogee: 859 km (533 mi). Perigee: 231 km (143 mi). Inclination: 82.40 deg. Period: 95.60 min. KH-3; film capsule recovery not attempted. Mission failed. Improper launch angle resulted in extreme orbit..
- SRV 553 - .
Mass: 1,250 kg (2,750 lb). Nation: USA.
Agency: USAF.
Spacecraft Bus: WS-117.
Spacecraft: KH-3.
COSPAR: 1961-A-Epsilon-x.
1961 November 15 - .
21:23 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Vandenberg.
Launch Complex:
Vandenberg SLC1W.
LV Family:
Thor.
Launch Vehicle:
Thor Agena B.
- Discoverer 35 - .
Payload: KH-3 s/n 9028 / Agena B 1118. Mass: 2,100 kg (4,600 lb). Nation: USA.
Agency: USAF.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft Bus: WS-117.
Spacecraft: KH-3.
Decay Date: 1961-12-03 . USAF Sat Cat: 201 . COSPAR: 1961-A-Zeta-1. Apogee: 278 km (172 mi). Perigee: 238 km (147 mi). Inclination: 81.60 deg. Period: 89.70 min. KH-3; film capsule recovered 1.1 days later. All cameras operated satisfactorily. Grainy emulsion noted..
1961 December 12 - .
20:40 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Vandenberg.
Launch Complex:
Vandenberg SLC1W.
LV Family:
Thor.
Launch Vehicle:
Thor Agena B.
- Discoverer 36 - .
Payload: KH-3 s/n 9029 / Agena B 1119. Mass: 1,150 kg (2,530 lb). Nation: USA.
Agency: USAF.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft Bus: WS-117.
Spacecraft: KH-3.
Decay Date: 1962-03-08 . USAF Sat Cat: 213 . COSPAR: 1961-A-Kappa-1. Apogee: 173 km (107 mi). Perigee: 131 km (81 mi). Inclination: 89.50 deg. Period: 87.50 min. KH-3; film capsule recovered 4.1 days later. Best mission to date..
- Oscar 1 - .
Mass: 5.00 kg (11.00 lb). Nation: USA.
Agency: USAF.
Program: Oscar.
Class: Communications.
Type: Amateur radio communications satellite. Spacecraft: Oscar.
Decay Date: 1962-01-31 . USAF Sat Cat: 214 . COSPAR: 1961-A-Kappa-2. Apogee: 474 km (294 mi). Perigee: 245 km (152 mi). Inclination: 81.20 deg. Period: 91.80 min.
The first Oscar Phase I amateur satellite was launched piggyback with Discover 36. A group of enthusiasts in California formed Project OSCAR and persuaded the United States Air Force to replace ballast on the Agena upper stage with the 4.5 kg OSCAR I package. The satellite was box shaped with a single monopole antenna and battery powered. The 140 mW transmitter onboard discharged its batteries after three weeks. 570 Amateurs in 28 countries reported receiving its simple 'HI-HI' morse code signals on the VHF 2 meter band (144.983 MHz) until January 1, 1962. The speed of the HI-HI message was controlled by a temperature sensor inside the spacecraft. OSCAR I re-entered the atmosphere January 31, 1962 after 312 revolutions. Additional Details: here....
1962 January 13 - .
21:41 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Vandenberg.
Launch Complex:
Vandenberg SLC1W.
LV Family:
Thor.
Launch Vehicle:
Thor Agena B.
FAILURE: Failure.
Failed Stage: U.
- Discoverer 37 - .
Payload: KH-3 s/n 9030. Mass: 1,150 kg (2,530 lb). Nation: USA.
Agency: USAF.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft Bus: WS-117.
Spacecraft: KH-3.
Decay Date: 1962-01-13 . KH-3. Mission failed. Last attempted flight of KH-3 series..
- SRV 571 - .
Mass: 1,250 kg (2,750 lb). Nation: USA.
Agency: USAF.
Spacecraft Bus: WS-117.
Spacecraft: KH-3.
1962 February 21 - .
18:44 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Vandenberg.
Launch Complex:
Vandenberg SLC1E.
LV Family:
Thor.
Launch Vehicle:
Thor Agena B.
FAILURE: Partial failure. Agena failed to restart to circularize orbit..
Failed Stage: U.
- Ferret 1 - .
Payload: Ferret 1 / Agena B 2301. Mass: 1,500 kg (3,300 lb). Nation: USA.
Agency: USAF.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: SIGINT. Spacecraft: Ferret.
Decay Date: 1962-03-04 . USAF Sat Cat: 242 . COSPAR: 1962-Delta-1. Apogee: 219 km (136 mi). Perigee: 169 km (105 mi). Inclination: 81.90 deg. Period: 88.30 min.
1962 February 27 - .
19:39 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Vandenberg.
Launch Complex:
Vandenberg SLC1W.
LV Family:
Thor.
Launch Vehicle:
Thor Agena B.
- Discoverer 38 - .
Payload: KH-4 s/n 9031 / Agena B 1123. Mass: 1,150 kg (2,530 lb). Nation: USA.
Agency: USAF.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft Bus: WS-117.
Spacecraft: KH-4.
Decay Date: 1962-03-21 . USAF Sat Cat: 247 . COSPAR: 1962-Epsilon-1. Apogee: 277 km (172 mi). Perigee: 207 km (128 mi). Inclination: 82.20 deg. Period: 89.40 min. First mission of the KH-4 series. Much of film slightly out of focus.. Capsule recovered 4.1 days later..
1962 April 18 - .
00:54 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Vandenberg.
Launch Complex:
Vandenberg SLC1E.
LV Family:
Thor.
Launch Vehicle:
Thor Agena B.
- Discoverer 39 - .
Payload: KH-4 s/n 9032 / Agena B 1124. Mass: 1,150 kg (2,530 lb). Nation: USA.
Agency: USAF.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft Bus: WS-117.
Spacecraft: KH-4.
Decay Date: 1962-05-28 . USAF Sat Cat: 276 . COSPAR: 1962-Lambda-1. Apogee: 540 km (330 mi). Perigee: 158 km (98 mi). Inclination: 73.50 deg. Period: 91.60 min. KH-4. Best mission to date..
1962 April 29 - .
00:30 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Vandenberg.
Launch Complex:
Vandenberg SLC1W.
LV Family:
Thor.
Launch Vehicle:
Thor Agena B.
- KH-4 9033 - .
Payload: KH-4 s/n 9033 / Agena B 1125. Mass: 1,150 kg (2,530 lb). Nation: USA.
Agency: USAF.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft Bus: WS-117.
Spacecraft: KH-4.
Decay Date: 1962-05-26 . USAF Sat Cat: 290 . COSPAR: 1962-Rho-1. Apogee: 475 km (295 mi). Perigee: 180 km (110 mi). Inclination: 73.10 deg. Period: 91.10 min. KH-4. Mission failed. Parachute ejector squibs holding parachute container cover failed to fire. No recovery..
1962 May 15 - .
19:36 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Vandenberg.
Launch Complex:
Vandenberg SLC1E.
LV Family:
Thor.
Launch Vehicle:
Thor Agena B.
- KH-5 9034A - .
Payload: KH-5 s/n 9034A/Agena B 1126. Mass: 1,150 kg (2,530 lb). Nation: USA.
Agency: USAF.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft Bus: WS-117.
Spacecraft: KH-5.
Decay Date: 1963-11-26 . USAF Sat Cat: 292 . COSPAR: 1962-Sigma-1. Apogee: 550 km (340 mi). Perigee: 283 km (175 mi). Inclination: 82.30 deg. Period: 93.00 min. KH-5; film capsule recovered 4.1 days later. First successful KH-5 mission. Officially: Spacecraft Engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A)..
1962 May 30 - .
01:00 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Vandenberg.
Launch Complex:
Vandenberg SLC2E.
LV Family:
Thor.
Launch Vehicle:
Thor Agena B.
- KH-4 9035 - .
Payload: KH-4 s/n 9035 / Agena B 1128. Mass: 1,150 kg (2,530 lb). Nation: USA.
Agency: USAF.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft Bus: WS-117.
Spacecraft: KH-4.
Decay Date: 1962-06-11 . USAF Sat Cat: 302 . COSPAR: 1962-Phi-1. Apogee: 350 km (210 mi). Perigee: 192 km (119 mi). Inclination: 74.10 deg. Period: 89.90 min. KH-4; film capsule recovered 3.1 days later. Slight corona static on film..
1962 June 2 - .
00:31 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Vandenberg.
Launch Complex:
Vandenberg SLC1W.
LV Family:
Thor.
Launch Vehicle:
Thor Agena B.
- KH-4 9036 - .
Payload: KH-4 s/n 9036 / Agena B 1127. Mass: 1,150 kg (2,530 lb). Nation: USA.
Agency: USAF.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft Bus: WS-117.
Spacecraft: KH-4.
Decay Date: 1962-06-28 . USAF Sat Cat: 304 . COSPAR: 1962-Chi-1. Apogee: 401 km (249 mi). Perigee: 211 km (131 mi). Inclination: 74.50 deg. Period: 90.60 min. KH-4. Mission failed. During air catch, chute tore loose. Capsule sank..
- Oscar 2 - .
Mass: 10 kg (22 lb). Nation: USA.
Agency: USAF.
Program: Oscar.
Class: Communications.
Type: Amateur radio communications satellite. Spacecraft: Oscar.
Decay Date: 1962-06-21 . USAF Sat Cat: 305 . COSPAR: 1962-Chi-2. Apogee: 339 km (210 mi). Perigee: 188 km (116 mi). Inclination: 74.20 deg. Period: 89.80 min.
OSCAR II was launched piggyback with a United States Air Force satellite. OSCAR II was very similar to OSCAR I. Differences included (1) changing the surface thermal coatings to achieve a cooler internal spacecraft environment, (2) modifying the sensing system so the satellite temperature could be measured accurately as the batteries decayed, and (3) lowering the transmitter power output to 100 mW to extend the life of the onboard battery. OSCAR II lasted 18 days ceasing operation on June 20, 1962 and re-entered June 21, 1962.
1962 June 18 - .
Launch Site:
Vandenberg.
Launch Complex:
Vandenberg SLC1E.
LV Family:
Thor.
Launch Vehicle:
Thor Agena B.
- Ferret 2 - .
Payload: Ferret 2 / Agena B 2312. Mass: 1,500 kg (3,300 lb). Nation: USA.
Agency: USAF.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: SIGINT. Spacecraft: Ferret.
Decay Date: 1963-10-30 . USAF Sat Cat: 308 . COSPAR: 1962-Omega-2. Apogee: 377 km (234 mi). Perigee: 347 km (215 mi). Inclination: 82.10 deg. Period: 91.80 min.
- FTV 2312 - .
Payload: Ferret 2. Mass: 1,500 kg (3,300 lb). Nation: USA.
Agency: USAF.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: SIGINT. Spacecraft: Ferret.
Decay Date: 1963-10-30 . USAF Sat Cat: 308 . COSPAR: 1962-Omega-1. Apogee: 170 km (100 mi). Perigee: 161 km (100 mi). Inclination: 82.20 deg. Period: 87.80 min.
1962 June 23 - .
00:30 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Vandenberg.
Launch Complex:
Vandenberg SLC1W.
LV Family:
Thor.
Launch Vehicle:
Thor Agena B.
- KH-4 9037 - .
Payload: KH-4 s/n 9037 / Agena B 1129. Mass: 1,150 kg (2,530 lb). Nation: USA.
Agency: USAF.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft Bus: WS-117.
Spacecraft: KH-4.
Decay Date: 1962-07-07 . USAF Sat Cat: 315 . COSPAR: 1962-A-Beta-1. Apogee: 314 km (195 mi). Perigee: 199 km (123 mi). Inclination: 75.10 deg. Period: 89.60 min. KH-4. Corona static occurs on some film..
1962 July 21 - .
00:56 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Vandenberg.
Launch Complex:
Vandenberg SLC1E.
LV Family:
Thor.
Launch Vehicle:
Thor Agena B.
- KH-4 9039 - .
Payload: KH-4 s/n 9039 / Agena B 1130. Mass: 1,150 kg (2,530 lb). Nation: USA.
Agency: USAF.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft Bus: WS-117.
Spacecraft: KH-4.
Decay Date: 1962-08-14 . USAF Sat Cat: 344 . COSPAR: 1962-A-Eta-1. Apogee: 376 km (233 mi). Perigee: 206 km (128 mi). Inclination: 70.00 deg. Period: 90.30 min. KH-4. Aborted after 6 photo passes. Heavy corona and radiation fog..
1962 July 28 - .
00:30 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Vandenberg.
Launch Complex:
Vandenberg SLC1W.
LV Family:
Thor.
Launch Vehicle:
Thor Agena B.
- KH-4 9040 - .
Payload: KH-4 s/n 9040 / Agena B 1131. Mass: 1,150 kg (2,530 lb). Nation: USA.
Agency: USAF.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft Bus: WS-117.
Spacecraft: KH-4.
Decay Date: 1962-08-24 . USAF Sat Cat: 345 . COSPAR: 1962-A-Theta-1. Apogee: 403 km (250 mi). Perigee: 204 km (126 mi). Inclination: 71.00 deg. Period: 90.60 min. KH-4; film capsule recovered 4.1 days later. No filters on slave horizon cameras. Heavy corona and radiation fog..
1962 September 1 - .
20:39 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Vandenberg.
Launch Complex:
Vandenberg SLC1E.
LV Family:
Thor.
Launch Vehicle:
Thor Agena B.
- KH-5 9042A - .
Payload: KH-5 s/n 9042A/Agena B 1132. Mass: 1,150 kg (2,530 lb). Nation: USA.
Agency: USAF.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft Bus: WS-117.
Spacecraft: KH-5.
Decay Date: 1964-10-26 . USAF Sat Cat: 385 . COSPAR: 1962-A-Upsilon-1. Apogee: 639 km (397 mi). Perigee: 293 km (182 mi). Inclination: 82.80 deg. Period: 94.00 min. KH-5. Mission failed. Parachute shrouds parted during air catch, capsule sank. Officially: Spacecraft Engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A)..
- SRV 600 - .
Mass: 1,274 kg (2,808 lb). Nation: USA.
Agency: USAF.
Spacecraft Bus: WS-117.
Spacecraft: KH-5.
COSPAR: 1962-A-Upsilon-x.
1962 September 17 - .
23:46 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Vandenberg.
Launch Complex:
Vandenberg SLC1W.
LV Family:
Thor.
Launch Vehicle:
Thor Agena B.
- KH-4 9043 / TRS 1 (ERS 2) - .
Payload: KH-4 s/n 9043 / TRS 1 (ERS 2) / Agena B 1133. Mass: 1,150 kg (2,530 lb). Nation: USA.
Agency: USAF.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft Bus: WS-117.
Spacecraft: KH-4.
Decay Date: 1962-11-16 . USAF Sat Cat: 396 . COSPAR: 1962-A-Chi-1. Apogee: 668 km (415 mi). Perigee: 204 km (126 mi). Inclination: 81.80 deg. Period: 93.30 min. KH-4; film capsule recovered 1.1 days later; ERS-2 subsatellite failed to deploy. Capping shutter malfunction, slight corona and radiation fog..
- TRS - .
Payload: ERS 2. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Nation: USA.
Agency: USAF.
Class: Earth.
Type: Magnetosphere satellite. Spacecraft: ERS.
COSPAR: 1962-A-Chi-xx.
1962 September 29 - .
06:05 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Vandenberg.
Launch Complex:
Vandenberg SLC2E.
LV Family:
Thor.
Launch Vehicle:
Thor Agena B.
- Alouette 1 - .
Payload: Alouette 1 / TAVE. Mass: 145 kg (319 lb). Nation: Canada.
Agency: Clemson.
Class: Earth.
Type: Magnetosphere satellite. Spacecraft: Alouette.
USAF Sat Cat: 424 . COSPAR: 1962-B-Alpha-1. Apogee: 1,022 km (635 mi). Perigee: 987 km (613 mi). Inclination: 80.50 deg. Period: 105.20 min. Ionospheric research. Spacecraft engaged in research and exploration of the upper atmosphere or outer space (US Cat B). .
- TAVE - .
Payload: TAVE. Nation: USA.
Agency: NASA.
Spacecraft: TAVE.
USAF Sat Cat: 426 . COSPAR: 1962-B-Alpha-2. Apogee: 1,019 km (633 mi). Perigee: 993 km (617 mi). Inclination: 80.50 deg. Period: 105.20 min. Thor Agena Vibration Experiment.
1962 October 9 - .
18:35 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Vandenberg.
Launch Complex:
Vandenberg SLC1W.
LV Family:
Thor.
Launch Vehicle:
Thor Agena B.
- KH-5 9046A - .
Payload: KH-5 s/n 9046A/Agena B 1134. Mass: 1,150 kg (2,530 lb). Nation: USA.
Agency: USAF.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft Bus: WS-117.
Spacecraft: KH-5.
Decay Date: 1962-10-16 . USAF Sat Cat: 436 . COSPAR: 1962-B-Epsilon-1. Apogee: 427 km (265 mi). Perigee: 213 km (132 mi). Inclination: 82.00 deg. Period: 91.00 min. KH-5; film capsule recovered 4.1 days later. 50% of stellar terrain film was blank due to shutter malfunction. Officially: Spacecraft Engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A)..
- SRV 603 - .
Mass: 1,274 kg (2,808 lb). Nation: USA.
Agency: USAF.
Spacecraft Bus: WS-117.
Spacecraft: KH-5.
COSPAR: 1962-B-Epsilon-x.
1962 November 5 - .
22:04 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Vandenberg.
Launch Complex:
Vandenberg SLC1W.
LV Family:
Thor.
Launch Vehicle:
Thor Agena B.
- KH-4 9047 - .
Payload: KH-4 s/n 9047 / Agena B 1136. Mass: 1,150 kg (2,530 lb). Nation: USA.
Agency: USAF.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft Bus: WS-117.
Spacecraft: KH-4.
Decay Date: 1962-12-03 . USAF Sat Cat: 453 . COSPAR: 1962-B-Omicron-1. Apogee: 403 km (250 mi). Perigee: 208 km (129 mi). Inclination: 75.00 deg. Period: 90.60 min. KH-4; film capsule; film capsule recovered 4.1 days later. Camera door malfunctioned, flare degraded 15% of film..
- SRV 599 - .
Mass: 1,200 kg (2,600 lb). Nation: USA.
Agency: USAF.
Spacecraft Bus: WS-117.
Spacecraft: KH-4.
COSPAR: 1962-B-Omicron-x.
1962 November 24 - .
22:01 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Vandenberg.
Launch Complex:
Vandenberg SLC1W.
LV Family:
Thor.
Launch Vehicle:
Thor Agena B.
- KH-4 9048 - .
Payload: KH-4 s/n 9048 / Agena B 1135. Mass: 1,150 kg (2,530 lb). Nation: USA.
Agency: USAF.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: Military surveillance satellite. Spacecraft Bus: WS-117.
Spacecraft: KH-4.
Decay Date: 1962-12-13 . USAF Sat Cat: 481 . COSPAR: 1962-B-Rho-1. Apogee: 339 km (210 mi). Perigee: 206 km (128 mi). Inclination: 65.00 deg. Period: 89.90 min. KH-4. Some film exposed through base..
1963 January 16 - .
21:59 GMT - .
Launch Site:
Vandenberg.
Launch Complex:
Vandenberg SLC1E.
LV Family:
Thor.
Launch Vehicle:
Thor Agena B.
- OPS 0180 - .
Payload: Ferret 3 / Agena B 2313. Mass: 1,500 kg (3,300 lb). Nation: USA.
Agency: NRO,
USAF.
Class: Surveillance.
Type: SIGINT. Spacecraft: Ferret.
Decay Date: 1969-01-09 . USAF Sat Cat: 527 . COSPAR: 1963-003A. Apogee: 522 km (324 mi). Perigee: 461 km (286 mi). Inclination: 81.90 deg. Period: 94.40 min.
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