Thorad Agena D SLV-2 Credit - via Andreas Parsch

3 stage vehicle consisting of 3 x Castor 2 + 1 x LT Thor + 1 x Agena D

Manufacturer: Douglas. Launches: 30. Failures: 2. Success Rate: 93.33%. First Launch Date: 1966-08-09. Last Launch Date: 1971-12-14. Launch data is: complete. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). Associated Spacecraft: ASTEX, Ferret, KH-4A, KH-4B, Nimbus, NOSS, NRL ELINT, SECOR, SERT, SOICAL, SSF, Surcal, Tempsat, Timation, TOPO. Liftoff Thrust: 1,444.000 kN (324,624 lbf). Total Mass: 91,400 kg (201,500 lb). Core Diameter: 2.44 m (8.00 ft). Total Length: 32.90 m (107.90 ft).

• Stage Number: 0. 3 x Stage: Castor 1. Gross Mass: 3,852 kg (8,492 lb). Empty Mass: 535 kg (1,179 lb). Thrust (vac): 286.001 kN (64,296 lbf). Isp: 247 sec. Burn time: 27 sec. Isp(sl): 232 sec. Diameter: 0.79 m (2.59 ft). Span: 0.79 m (2.59 ft). Length: 5.92 m (19.42 ft). Propellants: Solid. No Engines: 1. Engine: M33-20-4.

• Stage Number: 1. 1 x Stage: Delta Thor LT. Gross Mass: 70,354 kg (155,104 lb). Empty Mass: 3,715 kg (8,190 lb). Thrust (vac): 866.710 kN (194,844 lbf). Isp: 290 sec. Burn time: 215 sec. Isp(sl): 256 sec. Diameter: 2.44 m (8.00 ft). Span: 2.44 m (8.00 ft). Length: 21.43 m (70.30 ft). Propellants: Lox/Kerosene. No Engines: 1. Engine: MB-3-3. Other designations: Long Tank Thor. Status: Out of production.

• Stage Number: 2. 1 x Stage: Agena D. Gross Mass: 6,821 kg (15,037 lb). Empty Mass: 673 kg (1,483 lb). Thrust (vac): 71.166 kN (15,999 lbf). Isp: 300 sec. Burn time: 265 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 8096. Status: Out of production. One of the real workhorses of U. S. space exploration, Agena was an upper stage which was also employed as a spacecraft, the whole vehicle going into orbit. Agena played a key role in manned space flight; it was the target vehicle for rendezvous and docking manoeuvres in NASA's Gemini project. Agena had a main rocket engine capable of multiple re-starts in space; in the modified target vehicle version it also had 2 secondary engines to provide small changes in velocity and position in orbit. In the Gemini Agena, a control system could handle 96 commands from the astronauts or from ground stations. Agena was used as an upper stage with the Thor, augmented Thor, Atlas and Titan boosters; it had played important roles in such military and NASA programs as Discoverer, Samos, Mariner, OGO, Lunar Orbiter, Ranger and Orbiting Astronomical Observatory.

1966 August 9 - 20:46 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC1. Launch Pad: SLC1W. Launch Vehicle: Thorad Agena D SLV-2G. Model: Thorad SLV-2G Agena D. LV Configuration: Thorad SLV-2G Agena D 506 / Agena D SS-01B 1631.

• KH-4A 1036 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-4A s/n 1036 / Agena D 1631. Mass: 1,500 kg (3,300 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-4A. Agency: NRO/CIA. Perigee: 190 km (110 mi). Apogee: 284 km (176 mi). Inclination: 100.10 deg. Period: 89.20 min. COSPAR: 1966-072A. USAF Sat Cat: 2393. Decay Date: 1966-09-11. KH-4A. All cameras operated satisfactorily. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• KH-4A 1037 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-4A s/n 1037 / Agena D 1632. Mass: 1,500 kg (3,300 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-4A. Agency: NRO/CIA. Perigee: 179 km (111 mi). Apogee: 300 km (180 mi). Inclination: 100.00 deg. Period: 89.20 min. COSPAR: 1966-102A. USAF Sat Cat: 2537. Decay Date: 1966-11-29. KH-4A. Second pan geometry mission. Higher than normal base plus fog encountered on both main camera records. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• KH-4A 1041 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-4A s/n 1041 / Agena D 1634. Mass: 2,000 kg (4,400 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-4A. Agency: NRO/CIA. Perigee: 183 km (113 mi). Apogee: 791 km (491 mi). Inclination: 85.00 deg. Period: 94.30 min. COSPAR: 1967-043A. USAF Sat Cat: 2779. Decay Date: 1967-07-13. KH-4A. Due to the failure of the booster cut-off switch, the satellite went into a highly eccentric orbit. Significant image degradation. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• SRV 731 Nation: USA. Payload: SRV 1041-1. Mass: 60 kg (132 lb). Spacecraft: KH-4A. Agency: NRO/USAF. Perigee: 399 km (247 mi). Apogee: 458 km (284 mi). Inclination: 84.90 deg. Period: 93.20 min. COSPAR: 1967-043B. USAF Sat Cat: 2780. Decay Date: 1993-03-14. Radar monitoring. Due to the failure of the booster cut-off switch, the satellite went into a highly eccentric orbit. References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 172.

• OPS 1967 Nation: USA. Payload: EHH B7. Class: Sigint. Spacecraft: SSF. Agency: USAF. COSPAR: 1967-043xx. USAF Sat Cat: 2780. Decay Date: 1993-03-14. References: 279.

• KH-4A 1042 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-4A s/n 1042 / Agena D 1633. Mass: 2,000 kg (4,400 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-4A. Agency: NRO/CIA. Perigee: 169 km (105 mi). Apogee: 380 km (230 mi). Inclination: 80.00 deg. Period: 90.00 min. COSPAR: 1967-062A. USAF Sat Cat: 2850. Decay Date: 1967-07-20. KH-4A. Small out-of-focus area in forward camera of 1042-1. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• SRV 725 Nation: USA. Payload: SRV 1042-1. Mass: 60 kg (132 lb). Spacecraft: KH-4A. Agency: NRO/USAF. Perigee: 501 km (311 mi). Apogee: 517 km (321 mi). Inclination: 80.20 deg. Period: 94.80 min. COSPAR: 1967-062B. USAF Sat Cat: 2851. Decay Date: 1968-10-22. Radar monitoring. References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 172.

• OPS 1873 Nation: USA. Payload: EHH B8. Class: Sigint. Spacecraft: SSF. Agency: USAF. COSPAR: 1967-062xx. USAF Sat Cat: 2851. Decay Date: 1968-10-22. References: 279.

• KH-4A 1043 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-4A s/n 1043 / Agena D 1637. Mass: 2,000 kg (4,400 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-4A. Agency: NRO/CIA. Perigee: 174 km (108 mi). Apogee: 346 km (214 mi). Inclination: 79.90 deg. Period: 89.70 min. COSPAR: 1967-076A. USAF Sat Cat: 2910. Decay Date: 1967-09-01. KH-4A. Forward camera film came out of the rails on pass 230D. Film degraded past this point. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• KH-4B 1101 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-4B s/n 1101 / Agena D 1641. Mass: 2,000 kg (4,400 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-4B. Agency: NRO/CIA. Perigee: 156 km (96 mi). Apogee: 372 km (231 mi). Inclination: 80.00 deg. Period: 89.70 min. COSPAR: 1967-087A. USAF Sat Cat: 2946. Decay Date: 1967-10-04. KH-4B. First mission of the KH-4B series. Best film to date. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• KH-4A 1044 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-4A s/n 1044. Mass: 2,000 kg (4,400 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-4A. Agency: NRO/CIA. Perigee: 184 km (114 mi). Apogee: 410 km (250 mi). Inclination: 81.50 deg. Period: 90.40 min. COSPAR: 1967-109A. USAF Sat Cat: 3024. Decay Date: 1967-12-02. KH-4A. All cameras operated fine. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• SRV 733 Nation: USA. Payload: SRV 1044-1. Mass: 60 kg (132 lb). Spacecraft: KH-4A. Agency: NRO/USAF. Perigee: 454 km (282 mi). Apogee: 525 km (326 mi). Inclination: 81.60 deg. Period: 94.30 min. COSPAR: 1967-109B. USAF Sat Cat: 3025. Decay Date: 1969-03-28. Radar monitoring. References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 172.

• OPS 1587 Nation: USA. Payload: EHH B9. Class: Sigint. Spacecraft: SSF. Agency: USAF. COSPAR: 1967-109xx. USAF Sat Cat: 3025. Decay Date: 1969-03-28. References: 279.

• KH-4B 1102 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-4B s/n 1102 / Agena D 1642. Mass: 2,000 kg (4,400 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-4B. Agency: NRO/CIA. Perigee: 151 km (93 mi). Apogee: 248 km (154 mi). Inclination: 81.60 deg. Period: 88.40 min. COSPAR: 1967-122A. USAF Sat Cat: 3063. Decay Date: 1967-12-25. KH-4B. Noticeable image smear for forward camera, but best imagery to date. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• KH-4A 1045 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-4A s/n 1045 / Agena D 1640. Mass: 2,000 kg (4,400 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-4A. Agency: NRO/CIA. Perigee: 179 km (111 mi). Apogee: 438 km (272 mi). Inclination: 81.50 deg. Period: 90.70 min. COSPAR: 1968-008A. USAF Sat Cat: 3113. Decay Date: 1968-02-27. KH-4A. All cameras operated satisfactorily. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• SRV 741 Nation: USA. Payload: SRV 1045-1. Mass: 60 kg (132 lb). Spacecraft: KH-4A. Agency: NRO/USAF. Perigee: 470 km (290 mi). Apogee: 545 km (338 mi). Inclination: 81.70 deg. Period: 94.70 min. COSPAR: 1968-008B. USAF Sat Cat: 3114. Decay Date: 1970-03-04. Radar monitoring. References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 172.

• OPS 6236 Nation: USA. Payload: EHH B10. Class: Sigint. Spacecraft: SSF. Agency: USAF. COSPAR: 1968-008xx. USAF Sat Cat: 3114. Decay Date: 1970-03-04. References: 279.

• KH-4A 1046 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-4A s/n 1046 / Agena D 1638. Mass: 2,000 kg (4,400 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-4A. Agency: NRO/CIA. Perigee: 183 km (113 mi). Apogee: 390 km (240 mi). Inclination: 83.00 deg. Period: 90.20 min. COSPAR: 1968-020A. USAF Sat Cat: 3152. Decay Date: 1968-04-10. KH-4A. Image quality good for 1046-1 and fair for 1046-2. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• SRV 747 Nation: USA. Payload: SRV 1046-1. Mass: 60 kg (132 lb). Spacecraft: KH-4A. Agency: NRO/USAF. Perigee: 481 km (298 mi). Apogee: 524 km (325 mi). Inclination: 83.10 deg. Period: 94.60 min. COSPAR: 1968-020B. USAF Sat Cat: 3153. Decay Date: 1970-01-03. Radar monitoring. References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 172.

• OPS 7076 Nation: USA. Payload: EHH B11. Class: Sigint. Spacecraft: SSF. Agency: USAF. COSPAR: 1968-020xx. USAF Sat Cat: 3153. Decay Date: 1970-01-03. References: 279.

• KH-4B 1103 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-4B s/n 1103. Mass: 2,000 kg (4,400 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-4B. Agency: NRO/CIA. Perigee: 164 km (101 mi). Apogee: 243 km (150 mi). Inclination: 83.10 deg. Period: 88.60 min. COSPAR: 1968-039B. USAF Sat Cat: 3228. Decay Date: 1968-05-15. KH-4B. Out-of-focus imagery is present on both main camera records. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• SRV 807 Nation: USA. Payload: SRV 1103-1. Spacecraft: KH-4B. Agency: USAF. COSPAR: 1968-039C. USAF Sat Cat: 3232. Decay Date: 1968-05-20. References: 279.

• Nimbus B Nation: USA. Mass: 570 kg (1,250 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Weather. Spacecraft: Nimbus. Agency: NASA. COSPAR: F680518A. Decay Date: 1968-05-18. Launched with Secor 10. References: 5, 126.

• EGRS 10 Nation: USA. Payload: Secor 10. Spacecraft: Secor. Agency: USAF. COSPAR: F680518B. References: 279.

• KH-4A 1047 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-4A s/n 1047 / Agena D 1645. Mass: 2,000 kg (4,400 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-4A. Agency: NRO/CIA. Perigee: 183 km (113 mi). Apogee: 402 km (249 mi). Inclination: 85.00 deg. Period: 90.30 min. COSPAR: 1968-052A. USAF Sat Cat: 3296. Decay Date: 1968-07-16. KH-4A. Out-of-focus imagery is present on both main camera records. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• SRV 745 Nation: USA. Payload: SRV 1047-1. Mass: 60 kg (132 lb). Spacecraft: KH-4A. Agency: NRO/USAF. Perigee: 435 km (270 mi). Apogee: 514 km (319 mi). Inclination: 85.10 deg. Period: 94.10 min. COSPAR: 1968-052B. USAF Sat Cat: 3297. Decay Date: 1970-01-11. Radar monitoring. References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 172.

• OPS 5259 Nation: USA. Payload: EHH B12. Class: Sigint. Spacecraft: SSF. Agency: USAF. COSPAR: 1968-052xx. USAF Sat Cat: 3297. Decay Date: 1970-01-11. References: 279.

• KH-4B 1104 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-4B s/n 1104 / Agena D 1644. Mass: 3,000 kg (6,600 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-4B. Agency: NRO/CIA. Perigee: 160 km (90 mi). Apogee: 259 km (160 mi). Inclination: 82.10 deg. Period: 88.70 min. COSPAR: 1968-065A. USAF Sat Cat: 3336. Decay Date: 1968-08-27. KH-4B. Best imagery to date on any KH-4 systems. Bicolor and color infrared experiments were conducted on this mission. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• KH-4A 1048 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-4A s/n 1048 / Agena D 1647. Mass: 2,000 kg (4,400 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-4A. Agency: NRO/CIA. Perigee: 167 km (103 mi). Apogee: 393 km (244 mi). Inclination: 83.00 deg. Period: 90.10 min. COSPAR: 1968-078A. USAF Sat Cat: 3408. Decay Date: 1968-10-08. KH-4A. Film in the forward camera separated and camera failed on mission 1048-2, also the stellar/index camera unit failed. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• SRV 749 Nation: USA. Payload: SRV 1048-1. Mass: 60 kg (132 lb). Spacecraft: KH-4A. Agency: NRO/USAF. Perigee: 500 km (310 mi). Apogee: 514 km (319 mi). Inclination: 83.20 deg. Period: 94.80 min. COSPAR: 1968-078B. USAF Sat Cat: 3409. Decay Date: 1969-09-28. Radar monitoring. References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 172.

• OPS 8595 Nation: USA. Payload: EHH B13. Class: Sigint. Spacecraft: SSF. Agency: USAF. COSPAR: 1968-078xx. USAF Sat Cat: 3409. Decay Date: 1969-09-28. References: 279.

• OPS 0964 Nation: USA. Payload: Ferret 13 / Agena D 2734. Mass: 1,500 kg (3,300 lb). Class: Sigint. Spacecraft: Ferret. Agency: NRO/USAF. Perigee: 483 km (300 mi). Apogee: 511 km (317 mi). Inclination: 75.00 deg. Period: 94.60 min. COSPAR: 1968-086A. USAF Sat Cat: 3472. Decay Date: 1971-03-26. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• KH-4B 1105 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-4B s/n 1105 / Agena D 1646. Mass: 2,000 kg (4,400 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-4B. Agency: NRO/CIA. Perigee: 150 km (90 mi). Apogee: 288 km (178 mi). Inclination: 82.20 deg. Period: 88.90 min. COSPAR: 1968-098A. USAF Sat Cat: 3531. Decay Date: 1968-11-23. KH-4B. Image quality is variable and displays areas of soft focus and image smear. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• KH-4A 1049 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-4A s/n 1049 / Agena D 1648. Mass: 2,000 kg (4,400 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-4A. Agency: NRO/CIA. Perigee: 169 km (105 mi). Apogee: 248 km (154 mi). Inclination: 81.00 deg. Period: 88.70 min. COSPAR: 1968-112A. USAF Sat Cat: 3604. Decay Date: 1968-12-28. KH-4A. Degraded film References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• SRV 751 Nation: USA. Payload: SRV 1049-1. Mass: 60 kg (132 lb). Spacecraft: KH-4A. Agency: NRO/USAF. Perigee: 1,380 km (850 mi). Apogee: 1,466 km (910 mi). Inclination: 80.40 deg. Period: 114.30 min. COSPAR: 1968-112B. USAF Sat Cat: 3605. ABM monitoring. References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 172.

• OPS 7684 Nation: USA. Payload: EHH C1. Class: Sigint. Spacecraft: SSF. Agency: USAF. COSPAR: 1968-112xx. USAF Sat Cat: 3605. References: 279.

• KH-4B 1106 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-4B s/n 1106 / Agena D 1650. Mass: 2,000 kg (4,400 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-4B. Agency: NRO/CIA. Perigee: 147 km (91 mi). Apogee: 275 km (170 mi). Inclination: 81.60 deg. Period: 88.70 min. COSPAR: 1969-010A. USAF Sat Cat: 3672. Decay Date: 1969-02-24. KH-4B. The best image quality to date. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• SRV 801R Nation: USA. Payload: SRV 1106-1. Mass: 60 kg (132 lb). Spacecraft: KH-4B. Agency: NRO/USAF. Perigee: 1,391 km (864 mi). Apogee: 1,428 km (887 mi). Inclination: 80.40 deg. Period: 114.00 min. COSPAR: 1969-010B. USAF Sat Cat: 3673. ABM monitoring. References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 172.

• OPS 2644 Nation: USA. Payload: EHH C2. Class: Sigint. Spacecraft: SSF. Agency: USAF. COSPAR: 1969-010xx. USAF Sat Cat: 3673. References: 279.

• KH-4A 1050 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-4A s/n 1050 / Agena D 1651. Mass: 2,000 kg (4,400 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-4A. Agency: NRO/CIA. Perigee: 165 km (102 mi). Apogee: 252 km (156 mi). Inclination: 82.90 deg. Period: 88.60 min. COSPAR: 1969-026A. USAF Sat Cat: 3829. Decay Date: 1969-03-24. KH-4A. Due to abnormal rotational rates after revolution 22, the mission was terminated after a total of three days collecting photography. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• SRV 737 Nation: USA. Payload: SRV 1050-1. Mass: 60 kg (132 lb). Spacecraft: KH-4A. Agency: NRO/USAF. Perigee: 502 km (311 mi). Apogee: 515 km (320 mi). Inclination: 83.10 deg. Period: 94.70 min. COSPAR: 1969-026B. USAF Sat Cat: 3830. Decay Date: 1971-12-06. Radar monitoring. References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 172.

• OPS 2285 Nation: USA. Payload: EHH B14. Class: Sigint. Spacecraft: SSF. Agency: USAF. COSPAR: 1969-026xx. USAF Sat Cat: 3830. Decay Date: 1971-12-06. References: 279.

• Nimbus 3 Nation: USA. Payload: Nimbus B2. Mass: 575 kg (1,267 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Weather. Spacecraft: Nimbus. Agency: NASA GSF. Perigee: 1,071 km (665 mi). Apogee: 1,130 km (700 mi). Inclination: 100.40 deg. Period: 107.30 min. COSPAR: 1969-037A. USAF Sat Cat: 3890. Primary experiments consisted of a satellite infrared spectrometer (SIRS) for determining the vertical temperature profiles of the atmosphere, an infrared interferometer spectrometer (IRIS) for measuring the emission spectra of the earth-atmosphere system, both high- and medium-resolution infrared radiometers (HRIR and MRIR) for yielding information on the distribution and intensity of infrared radiation emitted and reflected by the earth and its atmosphere, monitor of ultraviolet solar energy (MUSE) for detecting solar UV radiation, image dissector camera system for providing daytime cloudcover pictures in both real-time mode using the real time transmission system and tape recorder mode using the high data rate storage system, radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) SNAP-19 to assess the operational capability of radioisotope power for space applications, and an interrogation, recording and location system (IRLS) experiment designed to locate, interrogate, record, and retransmit meteorological and geophysical data from remote collection stations. Nimbus-3 was successful and performed normally until July 22, 1969, when the IRIS experiment failed. The HRIR and the SIRS experiments were terminated on January 25, 1970, and June 21, 1970, respectively. The remaining experiments continued operation until September 25, 1970, when the rear horizon scanner failed. Without this horizon scanner, it was impossible to maintain proper spacecraft attitude, thus making most experimental observations useless. All spacecraft operations were terminated on January 22, 1972.References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• SECOR 13 Nation: USA. Payload: EGRS 13. Mass: 20 kg (44 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Geodetic. Spacecraft: SECOR. Agency: USA ACE. Perigee: 1,070 km (660 mi). Apogee: 1,129 km (701 mi). Inclination: 100.30 deg. Period: 107.30 min. COSPAR: 1969-037B. USAF Sat Cat: 3891. Spacecraft engaged in practical applications and uses of space technology such as weather or communication (US Cat C). References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• KH-4A 1051 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-4A s/n 1051 / Agena D 1649. Mass: 2,000 kg (4,400 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-4A. Agency: NRO/CIA. Perigee: 168 km (104 mi). Apogee: 325 km (201 mi). Inclination: 64.90 deg. Period: 89.50 min. COSPAR: 1969-041A. USAF Sat Cat: 3914. Decay Date: 1969-05-23. KH-4A. Imagery of both pan camera records is soft and lacks crispness and edge sharpness. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• SRV 739 Nation: USA. Payload: SRV 1051-1. Mass: 60 kg (132 lb). Spacecraft: KH-4A. Agency: NRO/USAF. Perigee: 407 km (252 mi). Apogee: 470 km (290 mi). Inclination: 65.70 deg. Period: 93.30 min. COSPAR: 1969-041B. USAF Sat Cat: 3915. Decay Date: 1970-02-16. Radar monitoring. References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 172.

• OPS 1721 Nation: USA. Payload: EHH B15. Class: Sigint. Spacecraft: SSF. Agency: USAF. COSPAR: 1969-041xx. USAF Sat Cat: 3915. Decay Date: 1970-02-16. References: 279.

• OPS 8285 Nation: USA. Payload: Ferret 14 / Agena D 2735. Mass: 1,500 kg (3,300 lb). Class: Sigint. Spacecraft: Ferret. Agency: NRO/USAF. Perigee: 465 km (288 mi). Apogee: 536 km (333 mi). Inclination: 75.00 deg. Period: 94.60 min. COSPAR: 1969-065A. USAF Sat Cat: 4054. Decay Date: 1973-01-04. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• KH-4A 1052 Nation: USA. Payload: KH-4A s/n 1052 / Agena D 1653. Mass: 2,000 kg (4,400 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: KH-4A. Agency: NRO/CIA. Perigee: 178 km (110 mi). Apogee: 253 km (157 mi). Inclination: 85.00 deg. Period: 88.80 min. COSPAR: 1969-079A. USAF Sat Cat: 4102. Decay Date: 1969-10-12. KH-4A. Last of the KH-4A missions, all camera systems operated satisfactorily. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• SRV 743R Nation: USA. Payload: SRV 1052-1. Mass: 60 kg (132 lb). Spacecraft: KH-4A. Agency: NRO/USAF. Perigee: 490 km (300 mi). Apogee: 496 km (308 mi). Inclination: 85.20 deg. Period: 94.50 min. COSPAR: 1969-079B. USAF Sat Cat: 4103. Decay Date: 1971-05-16. Radar monitoring. Last of the KH-4A missions. References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 172.

• OPS 4710 Nation: USA. Payload: EHH B16. Class: Sigint. Spacecraft: SSF. Agency: USAF. COSPAR: 1969-079xx. USAF Sat Cat: 4103. Decay Date: 1971-05-16. References: 279.

• OPS 1807 Nation: USA. Payload: EHH B17. Mass: 60 kg (132 lb). Class: Sigint. Spacecraft: SSF. Agency: NRO/USAF. Perigee: 446 km (277 mi). Apogee: 484 km (300 mi). Inclination: 69.60 deg. Period: 93.90 min. COSPAR: 1969-082A. USAF Sat Cat: 4111. Decay Date: 1970-10-30. References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 172.

• Surcal Nation: USA. Payload: NRL PL176. Class: Calibration. Spacecraft: Surcal. Agency: NRL. Perigee: 893 km (554 mi). Apogee: 918 km (570 mi). Inclination: 70.00 deg. Period: 103.10 min. COSPAR: 1969-082B. USAF Sat Cat: 4256. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A). References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• Timation 2 Nation: USA. Program: Navstar. Mass: 700 kg (1,540 lb). Class: Technology. Type: Navigation. Spacecraft: Timation. Agency: NRL. Perigee: 898 km (557 mi). Apogee: 925 km (574 mi). Inclination: 70.00 deg. Period: 103.20 min. COSPAR: 1969-082C. USAF Sat Cat: 4257. Navigation experiments leading eventually to Navstar/GPS system. Operated for 6 years. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• Surcal Nation: USA. Payload: NRL PL161. Class: Calibration. Spacecraft: Surcal. Agency: NRL. Perigee: 899 km (558 mi). Apogee: 928 km (576 mi). Inclination: 70.00 deg. Period: 103.30 min. COSPAR: 1969-082D. USAF Sat Cat: 4259. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A). References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• Surcal Nation: USA. Payload: NRL PL162. Class: Calibration. Spacecraft: Surcal. Agency: NRL. Perigee: 899 km (558 mi). Apogee: 925 km (574 mi). Inclination: 70.00 deg. Period: 103.30 min. COSPAR: 1969-082E. USAF Sat Cat: 4237. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A). References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• Surcal Nation: USA. Payload: NRL PL163. Class: Calibration. Spacecraft: Surcal. Agency: NRL. Perigee: 898 km (557 mi). Apogee: 925 km (574 mi). Inclination: 70.00 deg. Period: 103.20 min. COSPAR: 1969-082F. USAF Sat Cat: 4247. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A). References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• Surcal Nation: USA. Program: ELINT. Payload: NRL PL164. Mass: 40 kg (88 lb). Class: Sigint. Spacecraft: NRL ELINT. Agency: NRL. Perigee: 899 km (558 mi). Apogee: 926 km (575 mi). Inclination: 70.00 deg. Period: 103.30 min. COSPAR: 1969-082G. USAF Sat Cat: 4295. Identified by McDowell as probable NRL ELINT satellite. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• Tempsat 2 Nation: USA. Class: Calibration. Spacecraft: Tempsat. Agency: NRL. Perigee: 899 km (558 mi). Apogee: 924 km (574 mi). Inclination: 70.00 deg. Period: 103.20 min. COSPAR: 1969-082H. USAF Sat Cat: 4168. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A). References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• SOICAL Cylinder Nation: USA. Payload: S69-4 Cylinder. Class: Calibration. Spacecraft: SOICAL. Agency: NRL. Perigee: 791 km (491 mi). Apogee: 812 km (504 mi). Inclination: 70.00 deg. Period: 100.90 min. COSPAR: 1969-082J. USAF Sat Cat: 4166. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A). References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• SOICAL Cone Nation: USA. Payload: S69-4 Cone. Class: Calibration. Spacecraft: SOICAL. Agency: NRL. Perigee: 844 km (524 mi). Apogee: 870 km (540 mi). Inclination: 70.00 deg. Period: 102.10 min. COSPAR: 1969-082K. USAF Sat Cat: 4132. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A). References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• SERT 2 Nation: USA. Mass: 1,404 kg (3,095 lb). Class: Technology. Type: Ion engine. Spacecraft: SERT. Agency: NASA LeR. Perigee: 1,039 km (645 mi). Apogee: 1,046 km (649 mi). Inclination: 99.20 deg. Period: 106.00 min. COSPAR: 1970-009A. USAF Sat Cat: 4327. Space Electric Rocket Test; the ion engines aboard were operated until 1981. The SERT 2 development program started in 1966 and included thruster ground tests of 6742 hours and 5169 hours duration. A prototype version of the SERT 2 spacecraft was ground-tested for a period of 2400 hours with an operating ion engine. In addition to diagnostic equipment and related ion engine hardware, the spacecraft had two identical 15 cm diameter, mercury ion engines. Flight objectives included in-space operation for a period of 6 months, measurement of thrust, and demonstration of electromagnetic compatibility. The thruster maximum power level was 0.85 kW, and this provided operation at a 28 mN thrust level at 4200 s specific impulse. Flight data were obtained from 1970 to 1981 with an ion engine operating intermittently in one of three different modes, namely, HV ion extraction, discharge chamber operation only, or just neutralizer operation. Major results were that two mercury engines thrusted for periods of 3781 hours and 2011 hours. Test duration was limited due to shorts in the ion optical system. Thrust measured in space and on the ground agreed within the measurement uncertainties. Up to 300 thruster restarts were demonstrated. One power-processing unit accumulated nearly 17,900 hours during the course of the mission. Additionally, the ion propulsion system was electromagnetically compatible with all other spacecraft systems.References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• Nimbus 4 Nation: USA. Payload: Nimbus D. Mass: 620 kg (1,360 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Weather. Spacecraft: Nimbus. Agency: NASA GSF. Perigee: 1,088 km (676 mi). Apogee: 1,099 km (682 mi). Inclination: 100.10 deg. Period: 107.10 min. COSPAR: 1970-025A. USAF Sat Cat: 4362. Environmental research. Primary experiments consisted of an image dissector camera system for providing daytime cloudcover pictures both in real-time and recorded modes, temperature-humidity infrared radiometer (THIR) for measuring daytime and nighttime surface and cloudtop temperatures as well as the water vapor content of the upper atmosphere, infrared interferometer spectrometer (IRIS) for measuring the emission spectra of the earth/atmosphere system, satellite infrared spectrometer (SIRS) for determining the vertical profiles of temperature and water vapor in the atmosphere, a monitor of ultraviolet solar energy (MUSE) for detecting solar UV radiation, a backscatter ultraviolet (BUV) detector for monitoring the vertical distribution and total amount of atmospheric ozone on a global scale, a filter wedge spectrometer (FWS) for accurate measurement of IR radiance as a function of wavelength from the earth/atmosphere system, a selective chopper radiometer (SCR) for determining the temperatures of six successive 10-km layers in the atmosphere from absorption measurements in the 15-micrometer CO2 band, and an interrogation, recording, and location system (IRLS) for locating, interrogating, recording, and retransmitting meteorological and geophysical data from remote collection stations. The spacecraft performed well until April 14, 1971, when attitude problems started. The experiments then operated on a limited time basis until September 30, 1980.References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• TOPO 1 Nation: USA. Payload: Topo A. Mass: 18 kg (39 lb). Class: Earth. Type: Geodetic. Spacecraft: TOPO. Agency: USA TOPO. Perigee: 1,084 km (673 mi). Apogee: 1,087 km (675 mi). Inclination: 100.00 deg. Period: 107.00 min. COSPAR: 1970-025B. USAF Sat Cat: 4363. Spacecraft engaged in practical applications and uses of space technology such as weather or communication (US Cat C). References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• OPS 8329 Nation: USA. Payload: Ferret 15. Mass: 1,500 kg (3,300 lb). Class: Sigint. Spacecraft: Ferret. Agency: NRO/USAF. Perigee: 496 km (308 mi). Apogee: 499 km (310 mi). Inclination: 75.00 deg. Period: 94.50 min. COSPAR: 1970-066A. USAF Sat Cat: 4503. Decay Date: 1975-03-26. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• ASTEX Nation: USA. Payload: P71-2 / Agena D. Mass: 1,500 kg (3,300 lb). Class: Technology. Spacecraft: ASTEX. Agency: USAF STP. Perigee: 738 km (458 mi). Apogee: 761 km (472 mi). Inclination: 92.70 deg. Period: 99.80 min. COSPAR: 1971-089A. USAF Sat Cat: 5560. Space Test Program; technology experiments. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A). References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• OPS 7898 P/L 1 Nation: USA. Payload: NRL PL171. Mass: 700 kg (1,540 lb). Spacecraft: NOSS. Agency: NRL. Perigee: 983 km (610 mi). Apogee: 999 km (620 mi). Inclination: 70.00 deg. Period: 104.90 min. COSPAR: 1971-110A. USAF Sat Cat: 5678. Ocean surveillance; White Cloud (?) type spacecraft; test flight. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A). References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• OPS 7898 P/L 2 Nation: USA. Payload: NRL PL172. Spacecraft: NOSS. Agency: NRL. Perigee: 983 km (610 mi). Apogee: 999 km (620 mi). Inclination: 70.00 deg. Period: 104.90 min. COSPAR: 1971-110C. USAF Sat Cat: 5680. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A). References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• OPS 7898 P/L 3 Nation: USA. Payload: NRL PL173. Spacecraft: NOSS. Agency: NRL. Perigee: 982 km (610 mi). Apogee: 997 km (619 mi). Inclination: 70.00 deg. Period: 104.90 min. COSPAR: 1971-110D. USAF Sat Cat: 5681. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A). References: 1, 2, 5, 6.

• OPS 7898 P/L 4 Nation: USA. Payload: NRL PL174. Spacecraft: NOSS. Agency: NRL. Perigee: 981 km (609 mi). Apogee: 997 km (619 mi). Inclination: 70.00 deg. Period: 104.90 min. COSPAR: 1971-110E. USAF Sat Cat: 5682. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A). 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.