Launch Failure
Liftoff Time (GMT)
20:26:00
Wednesday October 26, 1960
Maiden flight of Thor-Agena B. Agena staging failed. Vehicle fell into the Pacific Ocean.
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.
16th
Mission
8th
Mission of 1960
28th
Orbital launch attempt