Launch Success
Liftoff Time (GMT)
22:57:58
Saturday February 18, 1961
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.
21st
Mission
2nd
Mission of 1961
6th
Orbital launch attempt