Launch Success
Liftoff Time (GMT)
15:30:00
Thursday April 22, 1971
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.
Polar Orbit
1 Payload
3,000 kilograms
Agency
US Air ForceRocket
Height: 45m
Payload to Orbit
LEO: 3,300 kg
Liftoff Thrust
2,300 Kilonewtons
Fairing
Diameter: 1.5m
Stages
3
51st
Mission
3rd
Mission of 1971
36th
Orbital launch attempt