Launch Success
Liftoff Time (GMT)
20:31:00
Thursday August 29, 1963
The KH-5, also known as Keyhole 5 or codenamed Argon, served as the area survey component within the Corona program. Equipped with the Argon camera, also referred to as Corona-A, this single-frame camera was integrated with standard Corona hardware, including the return vehicle (SRV). Operating with a ground resolution of approximately 140 meters, the KH-5 relied on the Agena-B stage for three-axis control and propulsion throughout its mission. Upon completion, the SRV was deorbited using its own small solid rocket motor.
Lampo (also known as 0.1 Square Meter Target) was a small radar calibration target satellite, which was deployed from the KH-5 9 reconnaissance satellite.
77th
Mission
15th
Mission of 1963
45th
Orbital launch attempt