NEXT SPACEFLIGHT

Status

Success

KH-4B 8 (Corona 136)

Launch Time
Thu Dec 04, 1969 21:38 UTC

Rocket

Thorad SLV-2G 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-4B 8 (Corona 136)

The KH-4B (Keyhole-4B) marked the sixth iteration within the Corona program for optical reconnaissance satellites. It was equipped with two J-3 panoramic cameras, each with a focal length of 61 cm, providing a ground resolution of 1.8 meters and a ground swath of 16 km × 217 km. Additionally, the KH-4B featured the DISIC (Dual Improved Stellar Index) camera, offering superior mapping capabilities compared to the KH-5 Argon system. The DISIC camera had a focal length of 91 cm, providing a ground resolution of 30 meters, with a frame coverage of 260 km × 260 km.

Location

SLC-3W, Vandenberg SFB, California, USA

Stats

1969

119th orbital launch attempt

Thor-Agena

170th mission
10th mission of 1969
145th successful mission
16th consecutive successful mission