Samos (Satellite and Missile Observation System), originally named Sentry, was the second program that evolved from WS 117L and aimed at developing a heavier reconnaissance satellite that would be launched by an Atlas booster instead of the Thor used to launch the project Discoverer (Corona). Samos E-2 was also called Program (or Project) 101A.
The Samos E-2 series carried E-2 frame readout camera with 0.91 m focal length, 6 m ground resolution, and 27 km × 27 km frame coverage. The Agena stage remained connected to the spacecraft and provided attitude control.
It carried also Micrometeorite detectors (grid, acoustic, microphone), a Magnetometer, a Electric field meter plasma probe, a Neutron albedo experiment and density gauges.
| Nation: | USA |
|---|---|
| Type / Application: | Reconnaissance, photo (film scan type) |
| Operator: | US Air Force (USAF) |
| Contractors: | |
| Equipment: | E-2 camera |
| Configuration: | Agena-B |
| Propulsion: | Bell 8081 |
| Power: | |
| Lifetime: | 4 months |
| Mass: | |
| Orbit: | 480 km × 480 km, 83° (intended) |
| Satellite | COSPAR | Date | LS | Launch Vehicle | Remarks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samos E-2 1 (Samos 3) | 1961-F09 | 09.09.1961 | Va LC-1-1 | F | Atlas-LV3 Agena-B | |
| Samos E-2 2 | - | not launched | Va | Atlas-LV3 Agena-B |
