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.
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