NEXT SPACEFLIGHT

Status

Failure

KH-4 24 & RM 5 (Corona 73)

Launch Time
Sat Nov 09, 1963 20:27 UTC

Thor attitude control failure starting at T+90 seconds. Agena staged successfully but was left tumbling and unable to start its engine.

Rocket

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

Mission Details

KH-4 24 & RM 5 (Corona 73)

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-2W, Vandenberg SFB, California, USA

Stats

1963

56th orbital launch attempt

Thor-Agena

80th mission
18th mission of 1963
19th failed mission