KH-5 10 (Corona 72) & Pundit 1

Launch Success

Liftoff Time (GMT)

21:19:00

Tuesday October 29, 1963

Mission Details

KH-5 10 (Corona 72)

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.

Pundit 1

The Pundit satellites were part of a series of so called Program 11 or P-11 "Subsatellite Ferrets", low orbit ELINT/SIGINT satellites to pinpoint and characterize different Radar emitters in the Soviet Union and Warsaw pact states.

1 Payload

108 kilograms

Rocket

Retired
Thor SLV2A Agena-D

Active 1963 to 1968


Rocket

Height: 31m

Liftoff Thrust

1,571 Kilonewtons

Stages

2

Strap-ons

3

Launch Site

SLC-1W (75-3-4)

Vandenberg SFB, California, USA

Fastest Turnaround

18 days 23 hours

Stats

Thor-Agena


79th

Mission

17th

Mission of 1963

1963


54th

Orbital launch attempt