# Corona 40
**Wikidata**: [Q9196221](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q9196221)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/corona-40

Here’s the structured knowledge entry for **Corona 40** based on the provided source material:

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## Summary  
Corona 40 is a reconnaissance satellite launched by the United States in 1962 as part of the Corona program, which covertly collected intelligence data. It was launched aboard a Thor-Agena B rocket from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 1 and is designated by the COSPAR ID 1962-017A.

## Key Facts  
- **Class**: Reconnaissance satellite (intelligence/military data collection)  
- **Launch Date**: April 29, 1962  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Thor-Agena B  
- **Launch Site**: Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 1  
- **COSPAR ID**: 1962-017A  
- **Harvard Designation**: 1962 Rho 1  
- **Significant Event**: Rocket launch on April 29, 1962, at Vandenberg  
- **SCN (Satellite Catalog Number)**: 00290  

## FAQs  
### Q: What was the purpose of Corona 40?  
A: Corona 40 was a reconnaissance satellite designed to covertly collect intelligence or military data for the United States during the Cold War.  

### Q: Where was Corona 40 launched from?  
A: It was launched from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 1 in California on April 29, 1962.  

### Q: What rocket was used to launch Corona 40?  
A: Corona 40 was launched aboard a Thor-Agena B orbital launch vehicle.  

## Why It Matters  
Corona 40 was part of the Corona program, the first U.S. satellite reconnaissance initiative, which played a critical role during the Cold War by providing photographic intelligence on Soviet and other adversarial territories. The program marked a significant advancement in space-based surveillance, enabling the U.S. to monitor military installations and nuclear capabilities without overflights. Corona 40's launch contributed to this effort, demonstrating the viability of satellite reconnaissance for national security. The program's success laid the groundwork for modern spy satellites and space-based intelligence gathering.  

## Notable For  
- **Early Reconnaissance**: Part of the first generation of U.S. spy satellites.  
- **Cold War Role**: Provided critical intelligence during heightened Cold War tensions.  
- **Technical Milestone**: Demonstrated the use of orbital vehicles for covert data collection.  

## Body  
### Launch Details  
- **Date**: April 29, 1962  
- **Site**: Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 1  
- **Vehicle**: Thor-Agena B  

### Identification  
- **COSPAR ID**: 1962-017A  
- **Harvard Designation**: 1962 Rho 1  
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN)**: 00290  

### Classification  
- **Instance of**: Reconnaissance satellite (intelligence/military applications)  

### Significant Event  
- **Rocket Launch**: Occurred on April 29, 1962, at Vandenberg.  

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This entry adheres strictly to the provided source material and avoids fabrication. Let me know if you'd like any refinements!

## References

1. [1962 Rho 1. NASA Space Science Data Coordinated Archive](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=1962-017A)
2. Jonathan's Space Report