# Corona 53
**Wikidata**: [Q9196241](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q9196241)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/corona-53

## Summary
Corona 53 was an American reconnaissance satellite launched on October 9, 1962. As a specific instance of the KH-5 Argon series, it was deployed into orbit using a Thor-Agena B launch vehicle. The mission originated from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 1 and is cataloged under the international designation COSPAR ID 1962-053A.

## Key Facts
- **Classification:** Corona 53 is an instance of the KH-5 Argon, a series of U.S. reconnaissance satellites.
- **Launch Date:** The mission launched on October 9, 1962.
- **Launch Vehicle:** It was propelled by a Thor-Agena B American orbital launch vehicle.
- **Launch Site:** The start point for the mission was Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 1.
- **COSPAR ID:** The international designation for this entity is 1962-053A.
- **Satellite Catalog Number:** It holds the SCN value 00436.
- **Significant Event:** The entity is associated with a rocket launch event occurring at Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 1 on October 9, 1962.

## FAQs
### Q: What type of satellite was Corona 53?
A: Corona 53 was a U.S. reconnaissance satellite specifically classified as a KH-5 Argon.

### Q: When was Corona 53 launched?
A: Corona 53 was launched on October 9, 1962.

### Q: What rocket was used to launch Corona 53?
A: The satellite was launched using a Thor-Agena B orbital launch vehicle.

### Q: Where did the launch of Corona 53 take place?
A: The launch took place at Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 1.

## Why It Matters
Corona 53 represents a specific mission within the broader scope of early U.S. space reconnaissance efforts. As part of the KH-5 Argon series, this entity serves as an example of the intelligence-gathering infrastructure utilized by the United States during the early 1960s. The mission highlights the operational use of the Thor-Agena B rocket, a workhorse launch vehicle of that era, demonstrating the United States' capability to routinely deploy surveillance assets from Vandenberg Air Force Base.

The precise documentation of this mission—identified by unique identifiers such as the COSPAR ID 1962-053A and SCN 00436—reflects the rigorous tracking and cataloging standards established during the Cold War space race. While specific mission outcomes are not detailed in the provided source, the launch itself marks a historical data point in the timeline of American orbital operations and the development of satellite surveillance technology.

## Notable For
- **KH-5 Argon Classification:** Identified specifically as part of the KH-5 Argon series of reconnaissance satellites.
- **Specific Orbital Launch:** Utilized the Thor-Agena B launch configuration, a prominent American launch system of the period.
- **Historical Launch Site:** Deployed from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 1, a key site for U.S. military space operations.
- **Precise Identification:** Distinguished by its unique COSPAR ID (1962-053A) and Satellite Catalog Number (00436).

## Body

### Mission Classification
Corona 53 is formally classified as an instance of the **KH-5 Argon** system. This identifies the entity as part of a series of U.S. reconnaissance satellites designed for intelligence gathering.

### Launch Operations
The launch of Corona 53 took place on **October 9, 1962**. The mission was executed from **Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 1**.

*   **Launch Vehicle:** The satellite was delivered to orbit using a **Thor-Agena B**, an American orbital launch vehicle.
*   **Event Type:** The significant event associated with this entity is categorized as a rocket launch.

### Identification and Tracking
Corona 53 is recorded in space flight catalogs with the following specific identifiers:

*   **COSPAR ID:** 1962-053A
*   **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 00436

These identifiers distinguish Corona 53 from other missions launched during the same period.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report