NEXT SPACEFLIGHT

Status

Success

RM 2 (Discoverer 21)

Launch Time
Sat Feb 18, 1961 22:57 UTC

Rocket

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

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.

Location

SLC-1E (75-3-5), Vandenberg SFB, California, USA

Stats

1961

6th orbital launch attempt

Thor-Agena

21st mission
2nd mission of 1961
13th successful mission
5th consecutive successful mission