NEXT SPACEFLIGHT

Status

Success

KH-8 23 (Gambit-3 23)

Launch Time
Sat Aug 23, 1969 16:00 UTC

Rocket

Titan III(23)B
US Air Force
Status: Retired
Liftoff Thrust: 2,300 kN
Payload to LEO: 3,300 kg
Stages: 3
Strap-ons: 0
Rocket Height: 45.0 m
Fairing Diameter: 1.5 m

Mission Details

KH-8 23 (Gambit-3 23)

The KH-8, or Gambit-3, was a second-generation high-resolution reconnaissance satellite featuring an upgraded KH-8 Block 2 version with two reentry vehicles. It comprised a photographic payload section, satellite control section, and booster vehicle, housing advanced camera systems capable of capturing images with ground resolutions as fine as 0.1 meters. Additionally, the Astro-Position Terrain Camera (APTC) included cameras for terrain and stellar observation, aiding in attitude determination and navigation.

Payloads: 1
Total Mass: 3,000.0 kg
Polar Orbit

Location

SLC-4W, Vandenberg SFB, California, USA

Stats

1969

85th orbital launch attempt

Titan III

40th mission
7th mission of 1969
34th successful mission
22nd consecutive successful mission