Status
Success
KH-8 31 (Gambit-3 31)
Launch Time
Thu Apr 22, 1971 15:30 UTC
Thu Apr 22, 1971 15:30 UTC
Rocket
Mission Details
KH-8 31 (Gambit-3 31)
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
1971
36th orbital launch attempt
Titan III
51st mission
3rd mission of 1971
44th successful mission
3rd consecutive successful mission