KH-5 Argon (Agena-D based) (original) (raw)
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KH-5 12 [USAF]
KH-5 (Keyhole 5, codenamed Argon) was the area survey component of the Corona program.
The Argon camera (also called Corona-A), a single frame camera, was integrated with standard Corona hardware like the return vehicle (SRV). The ground resolution of KH-5 was ca. 140 m. The SRV and the camera remained fixed to the Agena-D stage, which provided three axis control and propulsion during the mission. The SRV was deorbited using its own small solid rocket motor.
Of the Agena-D series, only #8 failed due to attitude control problems. All other returned their film capsules successfully.
Earlier KH-5 missions used the Agena-B stage. The area survey function was later into the KH-4B satellites, which featured the DISIC camera.
Secondary Payloads
Some satellites carried secondary payloads mounted on the satellite:
- KH-5 10 carried the LPARL Aurora 1963c Research Module
- KH-5 11 carried the Starflash 1A payload and the Long John 4 (Aftrack 39/Mission 7224) ELINT payload
- KH-5 12 carried the Starflash 1B payload and the Opporknockity (Aftrack 40/Mission 7215) COMINT payload with coverage in the 66 to 72 MHz band.
Two missions carried small satellites into orbit.
| Nation: | USA |
|---|---|
| Type / Application: | Reconnaissance, photo (Area survey) |
| Operator: | CIA |
| Contractors: | Lockheed |
| Equipment: | Argon camera |
| Configuration: | Agena-D, 1 SRV |
| Propulsion: | Bell 8096, Star-12 retro motor |
| Power: | Batteries |
| Lifetime: | up to 6 days |
| Mass: | |
| Orbit: |
| Satellite | COSPAR | Date | LS | Launch Vehicle | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KH-5 8 (Argon 8, Corona 63, Mission 9055A, OPS 1008) | 1963-F07 | 26.04.1963 | Va 75-1-1 | F | Thor-DM21 Agena-D |
| KH-5 9 (Argon 9, Corona 70, Mission 9058A, OPS 1561) | 1963-035A | 29.08.1963 | Va 75-3-5 | Thor-DM21 Agena-D | with Lampo |
| KH-5 10 (Argon 10, Corona 72, Mission 9059A, OPS 2437) | 1963-042A | 29.10.1963 | Va 75-3-4 | Thor-SLV2A Agena-D | with Pundit 1 |
| KH-5 11 (Argon 11, Corona 80, Mission 9063A, Long John 4, OPS 3236) | 1964-030A | 13.06.1964 | Va 75-1-2 | Thor-SLV2A Agena-D | incl. Starflash 1A |
| KH-5 12 (Argon 12, Corona 84, Mission 9064A, Opporknockity, OPS 2739) | 1964-048A | 21.08.1964 | Va 75-1-2 | Thor-SLV2A Agena-D | incl. Starflash 1B |