NEXT SPACEFLIGHT

Status

Failure

KH-4 19 (Corona 60)

Launch Time
Thu Feb 28, 1963 21:48 UTC

The first flight of Thrust-Augmented Thor Agena. One SRB failed to ignite. RSO T+100 seconds.

Rocket

Thor SLV2A Agena-D
US Air Force
Status: Retired
Liftoff Thrust: 1,571 kN
Stages: 2
Strap-ons: 3
Rocket Height: 31.0 m

Mission Details

KH-4 19 (Corona 60)

The KH-4, or Keyhole-4, represented the fourth iteration within the Corona program. This version introduced stereoscopic imaging capabilities with the Corona-M or Mural camera, consisting of two C''' (Corona triple-prime) cameras mounted with a 30-degree separation angle for forward and rear-looking perspectives. Additionally, a 4 cm index camera was included for specific imaging tasks. The Mural camera offered a ground resolution of 7.5 meters. Operating atop the Agena-D upper stage, the satellite facilitated attitude control during its mission, with film return managed by a single General Electric return vehicle (SRV). Upon mission completion, the film return capsule utilized its own solid-fuel retro motor for deorbiting, enabling mid-air recovery by specially equipped aircraft.

Location

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

Stats

1963

7th orbital launch attempt

Thor-Agena

65th mission
3rd mission of 1963
16th failed mission