NEXT SPACEFLIGHT

Status

Failure

KH-8 35 (Gambit-3 35)

Launch Time
Sat May 20, 1972 15:30 UTC

Agena pressurization failure

Rocket

Titan III(24)B
US Air Force
Status: Retired
Liftoff Thrust: 2,410 kN
Payload to LEO: 4,000 kg
Stages: 3
Strap-ons: 0
Rocket Height: 50.0 m
Fairing Diameter: 3.05 m

Mission Details

KH-8 35 (Gambit-3 35)

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
Low Earth Orbit

Location

SLC-4W, Vandenberg SFB, California, USA

Stats

1972

40th orbital launch attempt

Titan III

61st mission
5th mission of 1972
6th failed mission