Discoverer 2

Launch Success

Liftoff Time (GMT)

21:18:39

Monday April 13, 1959

Mission Details

Discoverer 2

Discoverer 2, a development model of the KH-1 Corona reconnaissance satellite without a camera, was launched into a polar orbit by a Thor-DM18 Agena-A booster. Operating in a three-axis stabilized mode and controlled from Earth, it conducted 17 orbits before ejecting a reentry vehicle on April 14, 1959. This vehicle, composed of protection equipment, retrorocket, and main structure, separated into two sections, with the reentry capsule intended for recovery over Hawaii. However, a timer malfunction led to premature capsule ejection and reentry over the north polar region, resulting in the capsule's loss. Despite this setback, the main instrumentation payload continued orbiting, facilitating vehicular performance and communications tests.

Rocket

Retired
Thor DM-18 Agena-A

Active 1959 to 1962


Stages

3

Launch Site

SLC-1W (75-3-4)

Vandenberg SFB, California, USA

Fastest Turnaround

18 days 23 hours

Stats

Thor-Agena


2nd

Mission

2nd

Mission of 1959

1959


5th

Orbital launch attempt