# Corona 72
**Wikidata**: [Q9196269](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q9196269)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/corona-72

## Summary
Corona 72 was a U.S. reconnaissance satellite launched on October 29, 1963, as part of the KH-5 Argon series. It was launched from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 1 using a Thor-Agena D rocket and is identified by the COSPAR ID 1963-042A.

## Key Facts
- **Class**: KH-5 Argon reconnaissance satellite
- **Launch Date**: October 29, 1963
- **Launch Vehicle**: Thor-Agena D
- **Launch Site**: Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 1
- **COSPAR ID**: 1963-042A
- **SCN (Satellite Catalog Number)**: 00681
- **Type**: Unmanned space probe
- **Significant Event**: Rocket launch on October 29, 1963, from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 1

## FAQs
### Q: What was the Corona 72 satellite used for?
A: Corona 72 was a U.S. reconnaissance satellite designed to gather intelligence by photographing Earth from space.

### Q: When was the Corona 72 satellite launched?
A: Corona 72 was launched on October 29, 1963.

### Q: What launch vehicle was used to deploy Corona 72?
A: The satellite was launched using a Thor-Agena D rocket.

### Q: Where was Corona 72 launched from?
A: Corona 72 was launched from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 1.

### Q: What is the COSPAR ID of Corona 72?
A: The COSPAR ID of Corona 72 is 1963-042A.

## Why It Matters
Corona 72 was part of the KH-5 Argon series of reconnaissance satellites, which played a crucial role in the U.S. Cold War-era surveillance efforts. These satellites were designed to capture high-resolution images of the Earth's surface, providing critical intelligence for national security. The successful launch and operation of Corona 72 contributed to the advancement of space-based reconnaissance technology, setting the stage for future satellite programs. Its mission highlighted the strategic importance of space-based surveillance during the Cold War era.

## Notable For
- **First of its kind**: One of the earliest operational reconnaissance satellites in the KH-5 Argon series.
- **Cold War intelligence**: Contributed to U.S. surveillance efforts during the Cold War.
- **Technological advancement**: Demonstrated the feasibility of space-based reconnaissance.
- **Historical significance**: Part of a series that laid the groundwork for modern satellite imaging.

## Body
### Classification
Corona 72 is classified as a KH-5 Argon satellite, part of the U.S. reconnaissance satellite program. It is also categorized as a space probe, a type of unmanned robotic spacecraft designed for exploration beyond Earth's orbit.

### Launch Details
- **Date**: October 29, 1963
- **Vehicle**: Thor-Agena D
- **Site**: Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 1

### Identification
- **COSPAR ID**: 1963-042A
- **SCN**: 00681

### Mission
Corona 72 was launched to gather intelligence through photographic reconnaissance. Its mission supported Cold War-era surveillance efforts by providing high-resolution images of Earth's surface.

### Historical Context
The KH-5 Argon series was part of the Corona program, which was a key component of the U.S. space-based reconnaissance efforts. Corona 72's launch and operation contributed to the advancement of satellite technology and intelligence gathering during the Cold War.

### Wikipedia Presence
The satellite has a Wikipedia page in Polish, indicating its historical and technical significance in the context of Cold War-era space programs.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report