RM 2 (Discoverer 21)

Launch Success

Liftoff Time (GMT)

22:57:58

Saturday February 18, 1961

Mission Details

RM 2 (Discoverer 21)

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


21st

Mission

2nd

Mission of 1961

1961


6th

Orbital launch attempt