# Corona 56
**Wikidata**: [Q9196244](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q9196244)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/corona-56

## Summary
Corona 56 was a U.S. reconnaissance satellite launched on November 24, 1962, as part of a covert program to gather intelligence during the Cold War. It was deployed using a Thor-Agena B rocket from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 1 and operated as a film-return satellite, capturing photographic data for military purposes. The mission was part of the broader Corona program, which played a critical role in Cold War-era surveillance.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: November 24, 1962  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Thor-Agena B  
- **COSPAR ID**: 1962-065A  
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN)**: 00481  
- **Launch Site**: Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 1, California  
- **Mission Type**: Reconnaissance (covert intelligence gathering)  
- **Declassification**: The Corona program was declassified in 1995, revealing its role in Cold War espionage.  

## FAQs
### Q: When was Corona 56 launched?
A: Corona 56 was launched on November 24, 1962, aboard a Thor-Agena B rocket from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 1.  

### Q: What was the purpose of Corona 56?
A: Corona 56 was a reconnaissance satellite designed to covertly collect photographic intelligence for U.S. military and strategic applications during the Cold War.  

### Q: How was Corona 56’s data retrieved?
A: The satellite used film capsules that were ejected mid-mission and recovered via aerial catch, a hallmark of the Corona program’s technology.  

## Why It Matters
Corona 56 represents a pivotal moment in the history of space-based espionage. As part of the Corona program—the first operational U.S. photo-reconnaissance satellite system—it provided unprecedented high-resolution imagery of Soviet and Chinese territories, enabling the U.S. to verify missile deployments and assess military capabilities. This intelligence directly informed Cold War policies and reduced geopolitical tensions by dispelling uncertainties about adversary strength. The mission’s success underscored the strategic value of space-based surveillance, paving the way for modern satellite reconnaissance systems. Its declassification in 1995 also highlighted the program’s historical significance in advancing both aerospace technology and international relations.

## Notable For
- **Firsts in Reconnaissance**: Part of the first U.S. satellite system to successfully return film from space, revolutionizing intelligence gathering.  
- **Cold War Impact**: Delivered critical data on Soviet infrastructure, mitigating fears of a "missile gap" and shaping U.S. defense strategies.  
- **Technological Innovation**: Utilized mid-air recovery of film capsules, a complex process requiring precise engineering and coordination.  

## Body
### Launch and Deployment  
Corona 56 launched on November 24, 1962, at 20:00 UTC from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 1 in California. The Thor-Agena B rocket (serial number 350/2029) placed the satellite into a low Earth orbit.  

### Mission Profile  
- **Mission Duration**: Designed for short-term operation, typical of Corona satellites, which had finite film supplies.  
- **Payload**: Carried a KH-4 camera system, capable of capturing high-resolution images using roll film.  
- **Data Retrieval**: Film capsules were ejected from the satellite and recovered by U.S. Air Force aircraft mid-air, ensuring timely intelligence delivery.  

### Technical Specifications  
- **Satellite Class**: KH-4 (part of the Corona program’s fourth generation of reconnaissance satellites).  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Thor-Agena B, a modified Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM) with an Agena upper stage.  
- **Orbit**: Low Earth orbit (exact parameters not specified in sources).  

### Historical Context  
The Corona program, including Corona 56, operated under strict secrecy until its declassification in 1995. The mission contributed to the U.S. National Photographic Interpretation Center’s efforts, providing visual evidence that countered exaggerated claims of Soviet military superiority. This transparency reduced Cold War tensions by enabling data-driven policymaking.  

### Legacy  
Corona 56 exemplifies the convergence of space technology and geopolitical strategy. Its success validated the concept of orbital reconnaissance, influencing the development of subsequent spy satellite programs like Gambit and Hexagon. The mission’s imagery also supported arms control negotiations, demonstrating the dual role of space assets in both military intelligence and diplomatic efforts.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report