KH-9 8 (Hexagon 8), Tophat 2 & IRCB

Launch Success

Liftoff Time (GMT)

20:20:00

Wednesday April 10, 1974

Mission Details

KH-9 8 (Hexagon 8)

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

Tophat 2

The Tophat (sometimes also refered to by Top Hat) satellites 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.

Low Earth Orbit

1 Payload

171 kilograms

IRCB

Wiki

IRCB (Infra-Red Calibration Balloon) was a 66 cm diameter inflatable calibration sphere orbited in the Space Test Program. It was a piggyback payload on a KH-9 (Hexagon) spysat launch. The IRCB used an LPC-509 solid rocket motor to reach its own orbit. It was inflated upon separation from the launch vehicle. It was to serve as a calibration target for various other electromagnetic remote-sensing equipment. Internal battery power was provided.

Low Earth Orbit

1 Payload

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


77th

Mission

3rd

Mission of 1974

1974


21st

Orbital launch attempt