RM 1 (Discoverer 19)

Launch Success

Liftoff Time (GMT)

20:32:00

Tuesday December 20, 1960

Mission Details

RM 1 (Discoverer 19)

RM 1 and 2, part of the Corona program, served as test platforms for instruments related to the MIDAS early warning satellite program, unlike typical reconnaissance satellites. They lacked return capsules and transmitted data via radio telemetry. Integrated with the Agena-B upper stage, they carried radiometers to characterize background infrared radiation for MIDAS calibration, with RM 2 also testing Agena engine reignition.

Rocket

Retired
Thor DM-21 Agena-B

Active 1960 to 1965


Stages

3

Launch Site

SLC-1E (75-3-5)

Vandenberg SFB, California, USA

Fastest Turnaround

27 days 18 hours

Stats

Thor-Agena


19th

Mission

11th

Mission of 1960

1960


37th

Orbital launch attempt