# Corona 113
**Wikidata**: [Q121864132](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q121864132)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/corona-113

## Summary
Corona 113 was a U.S. reconnaissance satellite launched in 1966 to covertly collect intelligence for military applications. It was deployed aboard a Thorad-Agena D rocket, a more powerful variant of the Thor-Agena D, and operated as part of the broader Corona program. The satellite played a role in Cold War-era surveillance efforts.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: November 8, 1966.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Thorad-Agena D, an upgraded U.S. rocket with increased payload capacity.
- **Satellite Class**: Reconnaissance satellite designed for covert data collection.
- **COSPAR ID**: 1966-102A.
- **SCN**: 02537.
- **Program Affiliation**: Part of the Corona satellite series, a clandestine U.S. intelligence-gathering initiative.
- **Rocket Comparison**: The Thorad-Agena D provided greater power than the earlier Thor-Agena D model.

## FAQs
### Q: When was Corona 113 launched?
A: Corona 113 was launched on November 8, 1966, using a Thorad-Agena D rocket.

### Q: What was the purpose of Corona 113?
A: It was a reconnaissance satellite tasked with covertly gathering intelligence for military or strategic applications during the Cold War.

### Q: What rocket launched Corona 113?
A: The satellite was deployed via a Thorad-Agena D rocket, a more powerful version of the Thor-Agena D developed by the U.S.

## Why It Matters
Corona 113 represents a key component of the U.S. Corona program, a pioneering satellite reconnaissance initiative critical to Cold War intelligence efforts. Its launch in 1966 underscored advancements in space-based surveillance technology, enabling the U.S. to monitor geopolitical developments from orbit. As part of this clandestine program, Corona 113 contributed to the broader strategic framework of the era, providing actionable intelligence that influenced military and diplomatic decisions. The satellite’s deployment on the upgraded Thorad-Agena D rocket also highlighted incremental improvements in launch vehicle capabilities, reflecting the rapid evolution of space technology during the Space Race. Understanding Corona 113 offers insights into the intersection of space exploration and national security during a pivotal historical period.

## Notable For
- **Clandestine Operations**: Conducted covert surveillance as part of the classified Corona program, which revolutionized overhead reconnaissance.
- **Rocket Upgrades**: Utilized the enhanced Thorad-Agena D, demonstrating advancements in U.S. launch vehicle technology.
- **Cold War Context**: Played a role in the U.S.-Soviet geopolitical rivalry, supporting intelligence-gathering missions critical to national security strategies.
- **Program Legacy**: Contributed to the Corona series’ reputation as a foundational element of modern satellite espionage systems.

## Body
### Launch and Deployment
- **Date**: November 8, 1966.
- **Vehicle**: Thorad-Agena D, selected for its improved thrust and payload capacity compared to earlier Agena variants.
- **Mission Objective**: To conduct photographic or signals intelligence gathering over denied territories.

### Satellite Specifications
- **Designation**: COSPAR ID 1966-102A, SCN 02537.
- **Classification**: Categorized as a reconnaissance satellite under the Corona program, emphasizing its covert nature.
- **Technical Context**: Operated during a period of rapid satellite development, leveraging film-return or early electronic sensor technologies typical of 1960s-era spy satellites.

### Historical and Operational Context
- **Program Significance**: The Corona initiative, which included Corona 113, was a landmark U.S. effort to establish reliable overhead reconnaissance capabilities, reducing reliance on risky manned missions like the U-2 spy plane.
- **Rocket Evolution**: The use of the Thorad-Agena D reflected ongoing efforts to optimize launch systems for heavier or more complex payloads, a critical factor in the satellite’s mission success.
- **Secrecy and Impact**: As with other Corona satellites, details about Corona 113’s specific activities remained classified, though the program’s overall impact on Cold War intelligence assessments is well-documented in declassified histories.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report