KH-5 Argon (Agena-D based)

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.