NEXT SPACEFLIGHT

Status

Success

KH-9 3 (Hexagon 3) & Ursala 1

Launch Time
Fri Jul 07, 1972 17:46 UTC

Rocket

Titan IIID
Martin Marietta
Status: Retired
Liftoff Thrust: 10,587 kN
Payload to LEO: 12,300 kg
Stages: 2
Strap-ons: 2
Rocket Height: 36.0 m

Mission Details

KH-9 3 (Hexagon 3)

The KH-9, also known as Hexagon or "Big Bird," was a large reconnaissance satellite designed to replace the earlier KH-4B Corona satellites. Unlike its predecessors, it utilized a new maneuverable bus called SCS (Satellite Control Section) and featured four return capsules for extended operational lifespan. Manufactured by McDonnell Douglas, the Mk.8 return capsules facilitated mid-air recovery of film capsules, similar to Corona satellites. The camera system, built by Perkin-Elmer, comprised two panoramic cameras for area surveillance, capturing images at altitudes ranging from 90 to 200 miles. These cameras utilized an f/3.0 folded Wright Camera optical layout with a 1.5 m focal length and achieved ground resolutions better than 0.61 m, scanning areas up to 120° wide.

Payloads: 1
Total Mass: 13,300.0 kg
Low Earth Orbit

Ursala 1

The Ursala satellites (also sometimes spelled Ursula) were part of a series of so called Program 11 or P-11 "Subsatellite Ferrets", low orbit ELINT/SIGINT satellites to pinpoint and characterize different Radar emitters in the Soviet Union and Warsaw pact states.

Payloads: 1
Total Mass: 202.0 kg
Low Earth Orbit

Location

SLC-4E, Vandenberg SFB, California, USA

Stats

1972

55th orbital launch attempt

Titan III

62nd mission
6th mission of 1972
53rd successful mission
1st consecutive successful mission