NEXT SPACEFLIGHT

Status

Success

KH-9 4 (Hexagon 4)

Launch Time
Tue Oct 10, 1972 18:03 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 4 (Hexagon 4)

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

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).

Payloads: 1
Total Mass: 59.0 kg
Low Earth Orbit

Location

SLC-4E, Vandenberg SFB, California, USA

Stats

1972

84th orbital launch attempt

Titan III

64th mission
8th mission of 1972
55th successful mission
3rd consecutive successful mission