KH-1 6 (Discoverer 9)

Launch Failure

Liftoff Time (GMT)

06:51:45 PM

Thursday February 4, 1960

Mission Details

Launch Notes

Premature Thor cutoff. Agena could not attain orbital velocity.

KH-1 6 (Discoverer 9)

The KH-1, the inaugural endeavor in the Corona program, aimed to construct an optical reconnaissance satellite. These satellites, collectively known as Discoverer, were the precursors to modern reconnaissance technology. The KH-1 payload comprised the C (Corona) single panoramic camera and a General Electric return vehicle (SRV), enabling data capture and retrieval from space. The satellite utilized the Agena-A upper stage for orbital maneuvering and control. Upon mission completion, the film return capsule employed its own retro motor for deorbiting, facilitating mid-air recovery by specialized aircraft.

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


9th

Mission

1st

Mission of 1960

1960


1st

Orbital launch attempt