NEXT SPACEFLIGHT

Status

Success

KH-8 40 (Gambit-3 40)

Launch Time
Thu Sep 27, 1973 17:15 UTC

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 40 (Gambit-3 40)

The KH-8, also known as Gambit-3, represented the second generation of high-resolution reconnaissance satellites, with KH-8 Block 3 being the third iteration featuring an enhanced roll joint. Similar in layout to the Block 2 series, it comprised a photographic payload section, satellite control section, and booster vehicle. Notably, satellites KH-8 37 to 47 boasted an improved roll joint enabling 18000 maneuvers per mission, enhancing imaging system agility, and increasing film capacity. The camera system utilized a strip camera with a 4.46 m focal length optical system, achieving 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 celestial navigation.

Payloads: 1
Total Mass: 3,000.0 kg
Low Earth Orbit

Location

SLC-4W, Vandenberg SFB, California, USA

Stats

1973

75th orbital launch attempt

Titan III

72nd mission
7th mission of 1973
62nd successful mission
3rd consecutive successful mission