KH-8 32 (Gambit-3 32)

Launch Success

Liftoff Time (GMT)

15:30:00

Thursday August 12, 1971

Mission Details

KH-8 32 (Gambit-3 32)

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.

Low Earth Orbit

1 Payload

3,000 kilograms

Rocket

Retired
Titan III(24)B

Active 1971 to 1984


Rocket

Height: 50m

Payload to Orbit

LEO: 4,000 kg

Liftoff Thrust

2,410 Kilonewtons

Fairing

Diameter: 3.05m

Stages

3

Launch Site

SLC-4W

Vandenberg SFB, California, USA

Fastest Turnaround

15 days 1 hour

Stats

Titan III


54th

Mission

6th

Mission of 1971

1971


78th

Orbital launch attempt