Status
Success
KH-4B 16 (Corona 144)
Launch Time
Wed Apr 19, 1972 21:43 UTC
Wed Apr 19, 1972 21:43 UTC
Rocket
Mission Details
KH-4B 16 (Corona 144)
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
1972
33rd orbital launch attempt
Thor-Agena
184th mission
1st mission of 1972
158th successful mission
6th consecutive successful mission