KH-5 Argon (Agena-B based)
KH-5 2 [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-B stage, which provided three axis control and propulsion during the mission. The SRV was deorbited using its own small solid rocket motor.
Only missions #5 and #7 produced usable images, the others failed due to various reasons (#3, 4 launch failures, #1, 2 on orbit failures, #6 failed on recovery)
Later KH-5 missions were based on the Agena-D stage.
| Nation: | USA |
|---|---|
| Type / Application: | Reconnaissance, photo (Area survey) |
| Operator: | USAF |
| Contractors: | Lockheed |
| Equipment: | Argon camera |
| Configuration: | Agena-B, 1 SRV |
| Propulsion: | Bell 8081, Star-12 retro motor |
| Power: | Batteries |
| Lifetime: | up to 4 days |
| Mass: | |
| Orbit: |
| Satellite | Date | LS | Launch Vehicle | Remarks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KH-5 1 (Argon 1, Corona 20, Discoverer 20) | 17.02.1961 | Va 75-3-4 | Thor-DM21 Agena-B | ||
| KH-5 2 (Argon 2, Corona 23, Discoverer 23) | 08.04.1961 | Va 75-3-5 | Thor-DM21 Agena-B | ||
| KH-5 3 (Argon 3, Corona 24, Discoverer 24) | 08.06.1961 | Va 75-3-4 | F | Thor-DM21 Agena-B | |
| KH-5 4 (Argon 4, Corona 27, Discoverer 27) | 21.07.1961 | Va 75-3-5 | F | Thor-DM21 Agena-B | |
| KH-5 5 (Argon 5, Corona 41) | 15.05.1962 | Va 75-3-5 | Thor-DM21 Agena-B | ||
| KH-5 6 (Argon 6, Corona 50) | 01.09.1962 | Va 75-3-5 | Thor-DM21 Agena-B | ||
| KH-5 7 (Argon 7, Corona 53) | 09.10.1962 | Va 75-3-4 | Thor-DM21 Agena-B |
