NEXT SPACEFLIGHT

Status

Failure

KH-2 1 (Discoverer 16)

Launch Time
Wed Oct 26, 1960 20:26 UTC

Maiden flight of Thor-Agena B. Agena staging failed. Vehicle fell into the Pacific Ocean.

Rocket

Thor DM-21 Agena-B
US Air Force
Status: Retired
Stages: 3
Strap-ons: 0

Mission Details

KH-2 1 (Discoverer 16)

The KH-2, the second iteration within the Corona program, aimed to advance optical reconnaissance capabilities. These satellites, known collectively as Discoverer, continued the pioneering efforts of their predecessor. The KH-2 payload featured the enhanced C' (Corona prime) single panoramic camera and a General Electric return vehicle (SRV), enhancing imaging capabilities and data retrieval. Manufactured by Fairchild Camera Co., the improved C'-camera boasted a f/5.0 aperture and a 61 cm focal length, resulting in a ground resolution of 10.7 m, offering improved image quality. Utilizing the larger Agena-B upper stage for enhanced maneuverability and control, the KH-2 satellites aimed for improved mission success.

Location

SLC-1W (75-3-4), Vandenberg SFB, California, USA

Stats

1960

28th orbital launch attempt

Thor-Agena

16th mission
8th mission of 1960
8th failed mission