Thor Agena D Credit - US Air Force Media Gallery

2 stage vehicle consisting of 1 x Thor DM-21 + 1 x Agena B

Manufacturer: Douglas. Launches: 45. Failures: 9. Success Rate: 80.00%. First Launch Date: 1960-10-26. Last Launch Date: 1966-05-15. Launch data is: complete. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). Associated Spacecraft: Alouette, ERS, Ferret, KH-2, KH-3, KH-4, KH-5, Midas, Oscar. Liftoff Thrust: 667.200 kN (149,993 lbf). Total Mass: 56,507 kg (124,576 lb). Core Diameter: 2.44 m (8.00 ft). Total Length: 31.00 m (101.00 ft). Flyaway Unit Cost $: 13.630 million. in: 1985 unit dollars.

2 stage vehicle consisting of 1 x Thor DSV-2A + 1 x Agena B

Manufacturer: Douglas. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). Associated Spacecraft: Echo 2, Nimbus. Liftoff Thrust: 756.000 kN (169,955 lbf). Total Mass: 56,500 kg (124,500 lb). Core Diameter: 2.44 m (8.00 ft). Total Length: 27.20 m (89.20 ft).

Thor Agena B upgraded with addition of three Castor 1 strap-on motors.

3 stage vehicle consisting of 3 x Castor 1 + 1 x Thor DSV-2C + 1 x Agena B

Manufacturer: Douglas. LEO Payload: 400 kg (880 lb). to: 1,000 km Orbit. at: 100.00 degrees. Apogee: 2,000 km (1,200 mi). Associated Spacecraft: Alouette, DME, Ferret, Nimbus. Liftoff Thrust: 1,571.000 kN (353,174 lbf). Total Mass: 67,500 kg (148,800 lb). Core Diameter: 2.44 m (8.00 ft). Total Length: 31.00 m (101.00 ft). Flyaway Unit Cost $: 19.560 million. in: 1985 unit dollars.

• Stage Number: 1. 1 x Stage: Thor DM-19. Gross Mass: 49,340 kg (108,770 lb). Empty Mass: 3,125 kg (6,889 lb). Thrust (vac): 758.711 kN (170,565 lbf). Isp: 282 sec. Burn time: 165 sec. Isp(sl): 248 sec. Diameter: 2.44 m (8.00 ft). Span: 2.44 m (8.00 ft). Length: 18.42 m (60.43 ft). Propellants: Lox/Kerosene. No Engines: 1. Engine: LR-79-7.

• Stage Number: 2. 1 x Stage: Agena B. Gross Mass: 7,167 kg (15,800 lb). Empty Mass: 867 kg (1,911 lb). Thrust (vac): 71.166 kN (15,999 lbf). Isp: 285 sec. Burn time: 240 sec. Isp(sl): 0 sec. Diameter: 1.52 m (4.98 ft). Span: 1.52 m (4.98 ft). Length: 7.09 m (23.26 ft). Propellants: Nitric acid/UDMH. No Engines: 1. Engine: Bell 8081.

1960 October 26 - 20:26 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: 75. Launch Pad: 75-3-4. Launch Vehicle: Thor Agena B. Model: Thor Agena B. LV Configuration: Thor Agena B 253 / Agena B 1061. FAILURE: Failure.

• Discoverer 16 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-2 9011. Mass: 1,091 kg (2,405 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-2. Agency: U.S. Air Force. COSPAR: F601026A. Decay Date: 1960-10-26. KH-1; mission failed. References: 5, 126.

• SRV 506 Nation: USA. Spacecraft: KH-2. Agency: USAF. COSPAR: F601026B. References: 279.

• Discoverer 17 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-2 9012 / Agena B 1062. Mass: 1,091 kg (2,405 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-2. Agency: U.S. Air Force. Perigee: 190 km (110 mi). Apogee: 984 km (611 mi). Inclination: 81.70 deg. Period: 96.40 min. COSPAR: 1960-Omicron-1. USAF Sat Cat: 61. Decay Date: 1960-12-29. KH-1; film capsule recovered 2.1 days later. Mission failed. Obtained orbit successfully. Film separated before any camera operation leaving only 1.7 ft of film in capsule. On December 2, the Air Force revealed that exceedingly valuable information had been obtained from human tissues carried by Discoverer 17 (the cover story for the mission). The tissues had been exposed to an unexpectedly heavy dose of radiation for more than 50 hours in flight.References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• Discoverer 18 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-2 9013 / Agena B 1103. Mass: 1,240 kg (2,730 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-2. Agency: U.S. Air Force. Perigee: 233 km (144 mi). Apogee: 510 km (310 mi). Inclination: 81.50 deg. Period: 92.00 min. COSPAR: 1960-Sigma-1. USAF Sat Cat: 67. Decay Date: 1961-04-02. KH-2; film capsule recovered 3.1 days later. First successful mission employing KH-2 camera system. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• Discoverer 19 Nation: USA. Payload: Midas test payload. Mass: 1,060 kg (2,330 lb). Class: Early Warning. Spacecraft: Midas. Agency: U.S. Air Force. Perigee: 186 km (115 mi). Apogee: 359 km (223 mi). Inclination: 83.40 deg. Period: 90.00 min. COSPAR: 1960-Tau-1. USAF Sat Cat: 68. Decay Date: 1961-01-23. Tested IR sensors for Midas program; did not carry camera or film capsule. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• Discoverer 20 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-5 s/n 9014A / Agena B 1104. Mass: 1,110 kg (2,440 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-5. Agency: U.S. Navy. Perigee: 277 km (172 mi). Apogee: 491 km (305 mi). Inclination: 80.80 deg. Period: 92.30 min. COSPAR: 1961-Epsilon-1. USAF Sat Cat: 83. Decay Date: 1962-07-28. KH-5; film capsule not ejected. Mission failed. Program malfunctioned and capsule did not reenter. First attempted ARGON mission. Officially: Spacecraft Engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A). References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• SRV 520 Nation: USA. Spacecraft: KH-5. Agency: USAF. COSPAR: 1961-Epsilon-4. USAF Sat Cat: 90. Decay Date: 1961-10-31. References: 279.

• Discoverer 21 Nation: USA. Payload: Midas test payload. Mass: 1,110 kg (2,440 lb). Class: Early Warning. Spacecraft: Midas. Agency: U.S. Navy. Perigee: 212 km (131 mi). Apogee: 458 km (284 mi). Inclination: 80.60 deg. Period: 91.30 min. COSPAR: 1961-Zeta-1. USAF Sat Cat: 84. Decay Date: 1962-04-20. Tested IR sensors for Midas program; did not carry camera or film capsule. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• Discoverer 22 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-2 9015. Mass: 1,150 kg (2,530 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-2. Agency: U.S. Air Force. COSPAR: F610330A. Decay Date: 1961-03-30. KH-2; Mission failed. References: 5, 126.

• SRV 509 Nation: USA. Spacecraft: KH-2. Agency: USAF. COSPAR: F610330B. References: 279.

• Discoverer 23 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-5 s/n 9016A / Agena B 1106 / Capsule SRV 521. Mass: 1,150 kg (2,530 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-5. Agency: U.S. Air Force. Perigee: 295 km (183 mi). Apogee: 651 km (404 mi). Inclination: 82.30 deg. Period: 94.10 min. COSPAR: 1961-Lambda-1. USAF Sat Cat: 100. Decay Date: 1962-04-16. KH-5; film capsule boosted into higher orbit, decayed 5/23/62. Mission failed. Loss of satellite control gas caused unstable condition. No recovery. Officially: Spacecraft Engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A). References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• Discoverer 24 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-5 s/n 9018A. Mass: 1,150 kg (2,530 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-5. Agency: U.S. Air Force. COSPAR: F610608A. Decay Date: 1961-06-08. KH-5. Mission failed. References: 5, 126.

• SRV 541 Nation: USA. Spacecraft: KH-5. Agency: USAF. COSPAR: F610608B. References: 279.

• Discoverer 25 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-2 9017 / Agena B 1107. Mass: 1,150 kg (2,530 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-2. Agency: U.S. Air Force. Perigee: 222 km (137 mi). Apogee: 404 km (251 mi). Inclination: 82.10 deg. Period: 90.80 min. COSPAR: 1961-Xi-1. USAF Sat Cat: 108. Decay Date: 1961-07-12. KH-2; film capsule recovered 2.1 days later. Capsule recovered from water on orbit 32. Streaks throughout film. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• Discoverer 26 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-2 9019 / Agena B 1109. Mass: 1,150 kg (2,530 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-2. Agency: U.S. Air Force. Perigee: 228 km (141 mi). Apogee: 803 km (498 mi). Inclination: 82.90 deg. Period: 94.90 min. COSPAR: 1961-Pi-1. USAF Sat Cat: 160. Decay Date: 1961-12-05. KH-2; film capsule recovered 2.1 days later. Main camera malfunctioned on pass 22. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• Discoverer 27 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-5 s/n 9020A. Mass: 1,150 kg (2,530 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-5. Agency: U.S. Air Force. COSPAR: F610721A. Decay Date: 1961-07-21. KH-5; destroyed by range safety. Mission failed. References: 5, 126.

• SRV 524 Nation: USA. Spacecraft: KH-5. Agency: USAF. COSPAR: F610721B. References: 279.

• Discoverer 28 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-2 9021. Mass: 1,150 kg (2,530 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-2. Agency: U.S. Air Force. COSPAR: F610804A. Decay Date: 1961-08-03. KH-2; Mission failed. References: 5, 126.

• SRV 512 Nation: USA. Spacecraft: KH-2. Agency: USAF. COSPAR: F610804B. References: 279.

• Discoverer 29 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-3 s/n 9023 / Agena B 1112. Mass: 1,150 kg (2,530 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-3. Agency: U.S. Air Force. Perigee: 152 km (94 mi). Apogee: 542 km (336 mi). Inclination: 82.10 deg. Period: 91.50 min. COSPAR: 1961-Psi-1. USAF Sat Cat: 181. Decay Date: 1961-09-09. KH-3; film capsule recovered 2.1 days later. First use of KH-3 camera system. All frames out of focus. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• Discoverer 30 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-3 s/n 9022 / Agena B 1113. Mass: 1,150 kg (2,530 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-3. Agency: U.S. Air Force. Perigee: 219 km (136 mi). Apogee: 557 km (346 mi). Inclination: 82.50 deg. Period: 92.30 min. COSPAR: 1961-Omega-1. USAF Sat Cat: 182. Decay Date: 1961-12-11. KH-3; film capsule recovered 2.1 days later. Best mission to date. Same out-of-focus condition as in 9023. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• Discoverer 31 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-3 s/n 9024 / Agena B 1114. Mass: 1,150 kg (2,530 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-3. Agency: U.S. Air Force. Perigee: 231 km (143 mi). Apogee: 403 km (250 mi). Inclination: 82.60 deg. Period: 90.80 min. COSPAR: 1961-A-Beta-1. USAF Sat Cat: 186. Decay Date: 1961-10-26. KH-3; film capsule recovery failed. Mission failed. Power failure and loss of control gas on orbit 33. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• Discoverer 32 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-3 s/n 9025 / Agena B 1115. Mass: 1,150 kg (2,530 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-3. Agency: U.S. Air Force. Perigee: 233 km (144 mi). Apogee: 391 km (242 mi). Inclination: 81.60 deg. Period: 90.70 min. COSPAR: 1961-A-Gamma-1. USAF Sat Cat: 189. Decay Date: 1961-11-13. KH-3; film capsule recovered 1.1 days later. Capsule recovered on orbit 18. 96% of film out of focus. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• Discoverer 33 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-3 s/n 9026. Mass: 1,150 kg (2,530 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-3. Agency: U.S. Air Force. COSPAR: F611023A. Decay Date: 1961-10-23. KH-3; Mission failed. References: 5, 126.

• SRV 513 Nation: USA. Spacecraft: KH-3. Agency: USAF. COSPAR: F611023B. References: 279.

• Discoverer 34 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-3 s/n 9027 / Agena B 1117. Mass: 1,150 kg (2,530 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-3. Agency: U.S. Air Force. Perigee: 231 km (143 mi). Apogee: 859 km (533 mi). Inclination: 82.40 deg. Period: 95.60 min. COSPAR: 1961-A-Epsilon-1. USAF Sat Cat: 197. Decay Date: 1962-12-07. KH-3; film capsule recovery not attempted. Mission failed. Improper launch angle resulted in extreme orbit. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• SRV 553 Nation: USA. Spacecraft: KH-3. Agency: USAF. COSPAR: 1961-A-Epsilon-x. References: 279.

• Discoverer 35 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-3 s/n 9028 / Agena B 1118. Mass: 2,100 kg (4,600 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-3. Agency: U.S. Air Force. Perigee: 238 km (147 mi). Apogee: 278 km (172 mi). Inclination: 81.60 deg. Period: 89.70 min. COSPAR: 1961-A-Zeta-1. USAF Sat Cat: 201. Decay Date: 1961-12-03. KH-3; film capsule recovered 1.1 days later. All cameras operated satisfactorily. Grainy emulsion noted. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• Discoverer 36 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-3 s/n 9029 / Agena B 1119. Mass: 1,150 kg (2,530 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-3. Agency: U.S. Air Force. Perigee: 131 km (81 mi). Apogee: 173 km (107 mi). Inclination: 89.50 deg. Period: 87.50 min. COSPAR: 1961-A-Kappa-1. USAF Sat Cat: 213. Decay Date: 1962-03-08. KH-3; film capsule recovered 4.1 days later. Best mission to date. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• Oscar 1 Nation: USA. Program: Oscar. Mass: 5.00 kg (11.00 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Amateur Radio. Spacecraft: Oscar. Agency: U.S. Air Force. Perigee: 245 km (152 mi). Apogee: 474 km (294 mi). Inclination: 81.20 deg. Period: 91.80 min. COSPAR: 1961-A-Kappa-2. USAF Sat Cat: 214. Decay Date: 1962-01-31. The first Oscar Phase I amateur satellite was launched piggyback with Discover 36. A group of enthusiasts in California formed Project OSCAR and persuaded the United States Air Force to replace ballast on the Agena upper stage with the 4.5 kg OSCAR I package. The satellite was box shaped with a single monopole antenna and battery powered. The 140 mW transmitter onboard discharged its batteries after three weeks. 570 Amateurs in 28 countries reported receiving its simple 'HI-HI' morse code signals on the VHF 2 meter band (144.983 MHz) until January 1, 1962. The speed of the HI-HI message was controlled by a temperature sensor inside the spacecraft. OSCAR I re-entered the atmosphere January 31, 1962 after 312 revolutions.Additional Details: Oscar 1(54). References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• Discoverer 37 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-3 s/n 9030. Mass: 1,150 kg (2,530 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-3. Agency: U.S. Air Force. COSPAR: F620113A. Decay Date: 1962-01-13. KH-3. Mission failed. Last attempted flight of KH-3 series. References: 5, 126.

• SRV 571 Nation: USA. Spacecraft: KH-3. Agency: USAF. COSPAR: F620113B. References: 279.

• Ferret 1 Nation: USA. Payload: Ferret 1 / Agena B 2301. Mass: 1,500 kg (3,300 lb). Class: Sigint. Spacecraft: Ferret. Agency: U.S. Air Force. Perigee: 169 km (105 mi). Apogee: 219 km (136 mi). Inclination: 81.90 deg. Period: 88.30 min. COSPAR: 1962-Delta-1. USAF Sat Cat: 242. Decay Date: 1962-03-04. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• Discoverer 38 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-4 s/n 9031 / Agena B 1123. Mass: 1,150 kg (2,530 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-4. Agency: U.S. Air Force. Perigee: 207 km (128 mi). Apogee: 277 km (172 mi). Inclination: 82.20 deg. Period: 89.40 min. COSPAR: 1962-Epsilon-1. USAF Sat Cat: 247. Decay Date: 1962-03-21. First mission of the KH-4 series. Much of film slightly out of focus.. Capsule recovered 4.1 days later. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• Discoverer 39 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-4 s/n 9032 / Agena B 1124. Mass: 1,150 kg (2,530 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-4. Agency: U.S. Air Force. Perigee: 158 km (98 mi). Apogee: 540 km (330 mi). Inclination: 73.50 deg. Period: 91.60 min. COSPAR: 1962-Lambda-1. USAF Sat Cat: 276. Decay Date: 1962-05-28. KH-4. Best mission to date. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• KH-4 9033 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-4 s/n 9033 / Agena B 1125. Mass: 1,150 kg (2,530 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-4. Agency: U.S. Air Force. Perigee: 180 km (110 mi). Apogee: 475 km (295 mi). Inclination: 73.10 deg. Period: 91.10 min. COSPAR: 1962-Rho-1. USAF Sat Cat: 290. Decay Date: 1962-05-26. KH-4. Mission failed. Parachute ejector squibs holding parachute container cover failed to fire. No recovery. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• KH-5 9034A Nation: USA. Payload: KH-5 s/n 9034A/Agena B 1126. Mass: 1,150 kg (2,530 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-5. Agency: U.S. Air Force. Perigee: 283 km (175 mi). Apogee: 550 km (340 mi). Inclination: 82.30 deg. Period: 93.00 min. COSPAR: 1962-Sigma-1. USAF Sat Cat: 292. Decay Date: 1963-11-26. KH-5; film capsule recovered 4.1 days later. First successful KH-5 mission. Officially: Spacecraft Engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A). References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• KH-4 9035 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-4 s/n 9035 / Agena B 1128. Mass: 1,150 kg (2,530 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-4. Agency: U.S. Air Force. Perigee: 192 km (119 mi). Apogee: 350 km (210 mi). Inclination: 74.10 deg. Period: 89.90 min. COSPAR: 1962-Phi-1. USAF Sat Cat: 302. Decay Date: 1962-06-11. KH-4; film capsule recovered 3.1 days later. Slight corona static on film. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• KH-4 9036 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-4 s/n 9036 / Agena B 1127. Mass: 1,150 kg (2,530 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-4. Agency: U.S. Air Force. Perigee: 211 km (131 mi). Apogee: 401 km (249 mi). Inclination: 74.50 deg. Period: 90.60 min. COSPAR: 1962-Chi-1. USAF Sat Cat: 304. Decay Date: 1962-06-28. KH-4. Mission failed. During air catch, chute tore loose. Capsule sank. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• Oscar 2 Nation: USA. Program: Oscar. Mass: 10 kg (22 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Amateur Radio. Spacecraft: Oscar. Agency: U.S. Air Force. Perigee: 188 km (116 mi). Apogee: 339 km (210 mi). Inclination: 74.20 deg. Period: 89.80 min. COSPAR: 1962-Chi-2. USAF Sat Cat: 305. Decay Date: 1962-06-21. OSCAR II was launched piggyback with a United States Air Force satellite. OSCAR II was very similar to OSCAR I. Differences included (1) changing the surface thermal coatings to achieve a cooler internal spacecraft environment, (2) modifying the sensing system so the satellite temperature could be measured accurately as the batteries decayed, and (3) lowering the transmitter power output to 100 mW to extend the life of the onboard battery. OSCAR II lasted 18 days ceasing operation on June 20, 1962 and re-entered June 21, 1962.References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• FTV 2312 Nation: USA. Program: ELINT. Payload: Ferret 2. Spacecraft: Ferret. Agency: USAF. COSPAR: 1962-Omega-1. USAF Sat Cat: 308. Decay Date: 1963-10-30. References: 279.

• Ferret 2 Nation: USA. Payload: Ferret 2 / Agena B 2312. Mass: 1,500 kg (3,300 lb). Class: Sigint. Spacecraft: Ferret. Agency: U.S. Air Force. Perigee: 347 km (215 mi). Apogee: 377 km (234 mi). Inclination: 82.10 deg. Period: 91.80 min. COSPAR: 1962-Omega-2. USAF Sat Cat: 308. Decay Date: 1963-10-30. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• KH-4 9037 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-4 s/n 9037 / Agena B 1129. Mass: 1,150 kg (2,530 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-4. Agency: U.S. Air Force. Perigee: 199 km (123 mi). Apogee: 314 km (195 mi). Inclination: 75.10 deg. Period: 89.60 min. COSPAR: 1962-A-Beta-1. USAF Sat Cat: 315. Decay Date: 1962-07-07. KH-4. Corona static occurs on some film. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• KH-4 9039 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-4 s/n 9039 / Agena B 1130. Mass: 1,150 kg (2,530 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-4. Agency: U.S. Air Force. Perigee: 206 km (128 mi). Apogee: 376 km (233 mi). Inclination: 70.00 deg. Period: 90.30 min. COSPAR: 1962-A-Eta-1. USAF Sat Cat: 344. Decay Date: 1962-08-14. KH-4. Aborted after 6 photo passes. Heavy corona and radiation fog. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• KH-4 9040 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-4 s/n 9040 / Agena B 1131. Mass: 1,150 kg (2,530 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-4. Agency: U.S. Air Force. Perigee: 204 km (126 mi). Apogee: 403 km (250 mi). Inclination: 71.00 deg. Period: 90.60 min. COSPAR: 1962-A-Theta-1. USAF Sat Cat: 345. Decay Date: 1962-08-24. KH-4; film capsule recovered 4.1 days later. No filters on slave horizon cameras. Heavy corona and radiation fog. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• KH-5 9042A Nation: USA. Payload: KH-5 s/n 9042A/Agena B 1132. Mass: 1,150 kg (2,530 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-5. Agency: U.S. Air Force. Perigee: 293 km (182 mi). Apogee: 639 km (397 mi). Inclination: 82.80 deg. Period: 94.00 min. COSPAR: 1962-A-Upsilon-1. USAF Sat Cat: 385. Decay Date: 1964-10-26. KH-5. Mission failed. Parachute shrouds parted during air catch, capsule sank. Officially: Spacecraft Engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A). References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• SRV 600 Nation: USA. Spacecraft: KH-5. Agency: USAF. COSPAR: 1962-A-Upsilon-x. References: 279.

• KH-4 9043 / TRS 1 (ERS 2) Nation: USA. Payload: KH-4 s/n 9043 / TRS 1 (ERS 2) / Agena B 1133. Mass: 1,150 kg (2,530 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-4. Agency: U.S. Air Force. Perigee: 204 km (126 mi). Apogee: 668 km (415 mi). Inclination: 81.80 deg. Period: 93.30 min. COSPAR: 1962-A-Chi-1. USAF Sat Cat: 396. Decay Date: 1962-11-16. KH-4; film capsule recovered 1.1 days later; ERS-2 subsatellite failed to deploy. Capping shutter malfunction, slight corona and radiation fog. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• TRS Nation: USA. Payload: ERS 2. Class: Earth. Type: Magnetosphere. Spacecraft: ERS. Agency: USAF. COSPAR: 1962-A-Chi-xx. References: 279.

• Alouette 1 Nation: Canada. Payload: Alouette 1 / TAVE. Mass: 145 kg (319 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Magnetosphere. Spacecraft: Alouette. Perigee: 987 km (613 mi). Apogee: 1,022 km (635 mi). Inclination: 80.50 deg. Period: 105.20 min. COSPAR: 1962-B-Alpha-1. USAF Sat Cat: 424. Ionospheric research. Spacecraft engaged in research and exploration of the upper atmosphere or outer space (US Cat B). References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• TAVE Nation: USA. Payload: TAVE. Agency: NASA. COSPAR: 1962-B-Alpha-2. USAF Sat Cat: 426. Thor Agena Vibration Experiment References: 279.

• KH-5 9046A Nation: USA. Payload: KH-5 s/n 9046A/Agena B 1134. Mass: 1,150 kg (2,530 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-5. Agency: U.S. Air Force. Perigee: 213 km (132 mi). Apogee: 427 km (265 mi). Inclination: 82.00 deg. Period: 91.00 min. COSPAR: 1962-B-Epsilon-1. USAF Sat Cat: 436. Decay Date: 1962-10-16. KH-5; film capsule recovered 4.1 days later. 50% of stellar terrain film was blank due to shutter malfunction. Officially: Spacecraft Engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A). References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• SRV 603 Nation: USA. Spacecraft: KH-5. Agency: USAF. COSPAR: 1962-B-Epsilon-x. References: 279.

• KH-4 9047 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-4 s/n 9047 / Agena B 1136. Mass: 1,150 kg (2,530 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-4. Agency: U.S. Air Force. Perigee: 208 km (129 mi). Apogee: 403 km (250 mi). Inclination: 75.00 deg. Period: 90.60 min. COSPAR: 1962-B-Omicron-1. USAF Sat Cat: 453. Decay Date: 1962-12-03. KH-4; film capsule; film capsule recovered 4.1 days later. Camera door malfunctioned, flare degraded 15% of film. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• SRV 599 Nation: USA. Spacecraft: KH-4. Agency: USAF. COSPAR: 1962-B-Omicron-x. References: 279.

• KH-4 9048 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-4 s/n 9048 / Agena B 1135. Mass: 1,150 kg (2,530 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-4. Agency: U.S. Air Force. Perigee: 206 km (128 mi). Apogee: 339 km (210 mi). Inclination: 65.00 deg. Period: 89.90 min. COSPAR: 1962-B-Rho-1. USAF Sat Cat: 481. Decay Date: 1962-12-13. KH-4. Some film exposed through base. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• OPS 0180 Nation: USA. Payload: Ferret 3 / Agena B 2313. Mass: 1,500 kg (3,300 lb). Class: Sigint. Spacecraft: Ferret. Agency: NRO/USAF. Perigee: 461 km (286 mi). Apogee: 522 km (324 mi). Inclination: 81.90 deg. Period: 94.40 min. COSPAR: 1963-003A. USAF Sat Cat: 527. Decay Date: 1969-01-09. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• OPS 1440 Nation: USA. Payload: Ferret 4 / Agena B 2314. Mass: 1,500 kg (3,300 lb). Class: Sigint. Spacecraft: Ferret. Agency: USAF/CIA. Perigee: 487 km (302 mi). Apogee: 530 km (320 mi). Inclination: 82.30 deg. Period: 94.80 min. COSPAR: 1963-027A. USAF Sat Cat: 613. Decay Date: 1969-10-26. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• Echo 2 Nation: USA. Payload: Echo C A-12. Mass: 256 kg (564 lb). Class: Technology. Type: Comsat. Spacecraft: Echo 2. Agency: NASA LaR. Perigee: 1,030 km (640 mi). Apogee: 1,315 km (817 mi). Inclination: 81.50 deg. Period: 108.80 min. COSPAR: 1964-004A. USAF Sat Cat: 740. Decay Date: 1969-06-07. Passive commsat; balloon; 1st joint US/USSR space mission. Spacecraft engaged in practical applications and uses of space technology such as weather or communication (US Cat C). References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• Nimbus 1 Nation: USA. Payload: Nimbus A. Mass: 376 kg (828 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Weather. Spacecraft: Nimbus. Agency: NASA GSF. Perigee: 429 km (266 mi). Apogee: 937 km (582 mi). Inclination: 98.70 deg. Period: 98.40 min. COSPAR: 1964-052A. USAF Sat Cat: 872. Decay Date: 1974-05-16. Returned 27,000 cloud cover images. The spacecraft carried an advanced vidicon camera system for recording and storing remote cloudcover pictures, an automatic picture transmission camera for providing real-time cloud cover pictures, and a high-resolution infrared radiometer to complement the daytime TV coverage and to measure nighttime radiative temperatures of cloud tops and surface terrain. A short second-stage burn resulted in an unplanned eccentric orbit. Otherwise, the spacecraft and its experiments operated successfully until September 22, 1964. The solar paddles became locked in position, resulting in inadequate electrical power to continue operations.References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• Alouette 2 Nation: Canada. Payload: Alouette 2 / Explorer 31. Mass: 145 kg (319 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Magnetosphere. Spacecraft: Alouette. Agency: DRTE. Perigee: 503 km (312 mi). Apogee: 2,666 km (1,656 mi). Inclination: 79.80 deg. Period: 117.90 min. COSPAR: 1965-098A. USAF Sat Cat: 1804. Ionospheric research; data correlated with Explorer 31. The double-launch project, known as ISIS-X was the first in a new co-operative NASA-Canadian Defense Research Board program for International Satellites for Ionospheric Studies. Alouette was in orbit with an apogee just over a kilometre lower than Explorer 31's and with a perigee of just more than a kilometre higher. The orbits were some 3000 km at apogee and 500 km at perigee.References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• Explorer 31 Nation: USA. Program: Explorer. Payload: DME A. Mass: 99 kg (218 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Ionosphere. Spacecraft: DME. Agency: NASA GSF. Perigee: 505 km (313 mi). Apogee: 2,833 km (1,760 mi). Inclination: 79.80 deg. Period: 119.70 min. COSPAR: 1965-098B. USAF Sat Cat: 1806. Ionospheric research; data correlated with Alouette 2. The Explorer 31, Direct Measurement Explorer, was launched with a Canadian Alouette II on November 28, 1965, on a Thor-Agena rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. The double-launch project, known as ISIS-X was the first in a new co-operative NASA-Canadian Defense Research Board program for International Satellites for Ionospheric Studies. Explorer 31 was in orbit with an apogee just over a kilometre more than Alouette's and with a perigee of just more than a kilometre lower. The orbits were some 3000 km at apogee and 500 km at perigee. Eight ionospheric measurement experiments sampled the environment both forward and after the satellite's path.References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• Nimbus 2 Nation: USA. Payload: Nimbus C. Mass: 414 kg (912 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Weather. Spacecraft: Nimbus. Agency: NASA GSF. Perigee: 1,093 km (679 mi). Apogee: 1,176 km (730 mi). Inclination: 100.30 deg. Period: 108.00 min. COSPAR: 1966-040A. USAF Sat Cat: 2173. TV, IR cloud cover photos. The spacecraft carried an advanced vidicon camera system for recording and storing remote cloud cover pictures, an automatic picture transmission camera for providing real-time cloudcover pictures, and both high- and medium-resolution infrared radiometers (HRIR and MRIR) for measuring the intensity and distribution of electromagnetic radiation emitted by and reflected from the earth and its atmosphere. The spacecraft and experiments performed normally after launch until July 26, 1966, when the spacecraft tape recorder failed. Its function was taken over by the HRIR tape recorder until November 15, 1966, when it also failed. Some real-time data were collected until January 17, 1969, when the spacecraft mission was terminated owing to deterioration of the horizon scanner used for earth reference.References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• McDowell, Jonathan, Jonathan's Space Home Page, Harvard University, 1997-present. Jonathan McDowell's complete on-line listing of all objects orbited and over 20,000 rocket launches Accessed at: http://www.planet4589.org/jsr.html.

• Isakowitz, Steven J,, International Reference to Space Launch Systems Second Edition, AIAA, Washington DC, 1991 (succeeded by 2000 edition). ISBN: 1563473534. Superseded by the later editions. More at amazon.com...

• Koelle, Heinz Hermann,, Handbook of Astronautical Engineering, McGraw-Hill,New York, 1961. The only such comprehensive handbook ever produced, and at the dawn of the space age.