# Discoverer 15

> reconnaissance satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q906153](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q906153)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Discoverer_15)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/discoverer-15

## Summary
Discoverer 15 was a reconnaissance satellite launched by the United States in 1960 as part of the Corona program. It was designed to covertly collect intelligence data using photographic imaging. The satellite was launched aboard a Thor-Agena A rocket from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 1.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date:** September 13, 1960  
- **Launch Vehicle:** Thor-Agena A  
- **Launch Site:** Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 1  
- **COSPAR ID:** 1960-012A  
- **NSSDCA ID:** 1960-012A  
- **Classification:** Reconnaissance satellite  
- **SCN (Satellite Catalog Number):** 00057  
- **Significant Event:** Rocket launch on 1960-09-13 at Vandenberg  

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Discoverer 15?  
A: Discoverer 15 was a reconnaissance satellite designed to collect photographic intelligence for military and strategic applications.  

### Q: What rocket was used to launch Discoverer 15?  
A: It was launched aboard a Thor-Agena A, an American orbital launch vehicle.  

### Q: Where was Discoverer 15 launched from?  
A: It was launched from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 1 in California.  

## Why It Matters  
Discoverer 15 was part of the early U.S. efforts to develop space-based reconnaissance capabilities during the Cold War. As part of the Corona program, it contributed to advancements in satellite imaging, providing critical intelligence that informed national security decisions. The program laid the groundwork for modern satellite surveillance systems, demonstrating the strategic value of space-based observation. Its success marked a significant milestone in military and space technology, influencing future developments in reconnaissance and satellite deployment.  

## Notable For  
- One of the earliest U.S. reconnaissance satellites under the Corona program.  
- Launched using the Thor-Agena A, a key orbital launch vehicle of its time.  
- Contributed to the development of space-based intelligence-gathering techniques.  

## Body  
### Launch Details  
- **Date:** September 13, 1960  
- **Vehicle:** Thor-Agena A  
- **Site:** Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 1  

### Technical Specifications  
- **Catalog Number (SCN):** 00057  
- **COSPAR/NSSDCA ID:** 1960-012A  

### Mission Context  
- Part of the Corona program, a series of early U.S. reconnaissance satellites.  
- Designed to capture photographic intelligence for military applications.  

### Historical Significance  
- Demonstrated the feasibility of space-based reconnaissance during the Cold War.  
- Paved the way for advanced satellite surveillance systems.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report