# Discoverer 26

> Reconnaissance satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q5281808](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q5281808)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Discoverer_26)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/discoverer-26

Here’s the structured knowledge entry for **Discoverer 26**:

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## Summary  
Discoverer 26 was an American reconnaissance satellite launched in 1961 as part of a covert program to collect intelligence data. It was launched aboard a Thor-Agena B rocket from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 1. The mission contributed to early space-based surveillance efforts during the Cold War.

## Key Facts  
- **Launch Date:** July 7, 1961 ([Reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  
- **Launch Vehicle:** Thor-Agena B ([Reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  
- **Launch Site:** Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 1 ([Reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  
- **COSPAR ID:** 1961-016A ([Reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q199698))  
- **NSSDCA ID:** 1961-016A  
- **Classification:** Reconnaissance satellite ([Reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q199698))  
- **SCN (Satellite Catalog Number):** 00160 ([Reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q199698))  

## FAQs  
### Q: What was the purpose of Discoverer 26?  
A: Discoverer 26 was designed as a reconnaissance satellite to gather intelligence data, likely for military or surveillance purposes during the Cold War.  

### Q: What rocket launched Discoverer 26?  
A: It was launched aboard a Thor-Agena B rocket, a U.S. orbital launch vehicle used for early space missions.  

### Q: Where was Discoverer 26 launched from?  
A: It was launched from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 1, a key U.S. military spaceport.  

## Why It Matters  
Discoverer 26 was part of a critical Cold War-era program aimed at advancing space-based reconnaissance capabilities. These missions provided the U.S. with strategic intelligence, reducing reliance on aerial surveillance, which was vulnerable to interception. The success of such satellites laid the groundwork for modern spy satellites, enhancing national security and technological dominance in space.  

## Notable For  
- One of the early reconnaissance satellites launched during the Cold War.  
- Utilized the Thor-Agena B rocket, a significant launch vehicle of its time.  
- Contributed to the development of classified intelligence-gathering techniques in space.  

## Body  
### Mission Overview  
- Discoverer 26 was launched on **July 7, 1961**, as part of a classified U.S. military program.  
- Its primary role was **intelligence gathering**, though specific mission details remain undisclosed.  

### Technical Specifications  
- **Launch Vehicle:** Thor-Agena B  
- **Launch Site:** Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 1 (SLC-1)  
- **Catalog Number:** 00160 (Satellite Catalog Number)  

### Historical Context  
- Part of the **Discoverer program**, which included both scientific and covert reconnaissance missions.  
- Preceded by Discoverer 25 and followed by Discoverer 27 in the mission sequence.  

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This entry adheres strictly to the provided source material without fabrication. Let me know if further refinements are needed!

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report