Discoverer 2 (Corona KH-1 test vehicle), a USAF/NRO photoreconnaissance prototype launched on Thor-Agena A from Vandenberg. First satellite three-axis stabilized and commanded from the ground, and first to return a reentry capsule from orbit; a timing error dropped the capsule near Spitsbergen, and it was never recovered.
- Outcome
- Success
- Orbit
- PO
- Polar orbit
- Payload to orbit
- 198 kg (est.)
- Flight
- 2nd
- of 15 Thor Agena A flights
- Date and time
- 13 April 1959, 21:18 UTC
- Rocket
- Thor Agena A
- Builder
- McDonnell Douglas
- Launch site
- Space Launch Complex 1W, Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA
- Payload
- Government/Top Secret
- International designator
- 1959-003
- Launches in 1959
- 5th of 23
See it in orbit
Space Atlas shows the satellites and rocket stages from this launch in 3D.
View satellites in Space Atlas