KH-9 4 (Hexagon 4)

Launch Success

Liftoff Time (GMT)

18:03:00

Tuesday October 10, 1972

Mission Details

KH-9 4 (Hexagon 4)

Wiki

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.

Low Earth Orbit

1 Payload

13,300 kilograms

P-801 4

The P-801 (or Program 801) satellites were a special series among the so called "Subsatellite Ferrets", low orbit ELINT/SIGINT satellites to pinpoint and characterize different Radar emitters in the Soviet Union and Warsaw pact states. Before their program name was known, they are referred to as "Subsatellite Ferret C" (SSF-C).

Low Earth Orbit

1 Payload

59 kilograms

Rocket

Retired
Titan IIID

Active 1971 to 1982


Rocket

Height: 36m

Payload to Orbit

LEO: 12,300 kg

Liftoff Thrust

10,587 Kilonewtons

Stages

2

Strap-ons

2

Launch Site

SLC-4E

Vandenberg SFB, California, USA

Fastest Turnaround

2 days 21 hours

Stats

Titan III


64th

Mission

8th

Mission of 1972

1972


84th

Orbital launch attempt