# Discoverer 33

> Reconnaissance satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q5281817](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q5281817)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Discoverer_33)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/discoverer-33

## Summary
Discoverer 33 was a U.S. reconnaissance satellite launched on October 23, 1961, from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 1 using a Thor-Agena B launch vehicle. It was part of the Discoverer program, which conducted early photoreconnaissance missions. The satellite is documented in two languages on Wikipedia and has a Wikidata description identifying it as a reconnaissance satellite.

## Key Facts
- Launched on October 23, 1961, from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 1
- Launched using a Thor-Agena B orbital launch vehicle
- Classified as a spacecraft and a reconnaissance satellite
- Has a Wikidata description identifying it as a reconnaissance satellite
- Documented in English and Polish on Wikipedia (2 languages)
- Has 2 sitelinks on Wikidata
- NSSDCA ID: DISC33
- Freebase ID: /m/0ch1h54
- Significant event: rocket launch on October 23, 1961, from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 1

## FAQs
### Q: What was Discoverer 33?
A: Discoverer 33 was a U.S. reconnaissance satellite launched on October 23, 1961, from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 1 using a Thor-Agena B launch vehicle.

### Q: When and where was Discoverer 33 launched?
A: Discoverer 33 was launched on October 23, 1961, from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 1 in California.

### Q: What type of launch vehicle was used for Discoverer 33?
A: Discoverer 33 was launched using a Thor-Agena B orbital launch vehicle.

## Why It Matters
Discoverer 33 represents an important milestone in the development of U.S. photoreconnaissance capabilities during the Cold War era. As part of the Discoverer program, it contributed to the advancement of satellite technology for intelligence gathering, helping to establish the foundation for modern reconnaissance satellites. The program's success in launching and operating these early satellites demonstrated the viability of using space-based platforms for national security purposes, ultimately leading to more sophisticated and capable reconnaissance systems that would become critical assets for military and intelligence operations.

## Notable For
- Part of the pioneering Discoverer reconnaissance satellite program
- Launched using the reliable Thor-Agena B launch vehicle combination
- Contributed to the development of early U.S. space-based intelligence capabilities
- Successfully launched from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 1, a key facility for polar orbit missions
- Documented in multiple languages, indicating its historical significance

## Body
### Launch Details
Discoverer 33 was launched on October 23, 1961, at 00:00 UTC from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 1, located on the central coast of California. The launch site was specifically chosen for its capability to support polar orbit missions, which are essential for reconnaissance satellites to achieve global coverage.

### Technical Specifications
The satellite was launched using a Thor-Agena B launch vehicle, a reliable combination that was frequently used for U.S. military and reconnaissance missions during this period. The Thor-Agena B consisted of a Thor missile first stage and an Agena B upper stage, capable of placing payloads into low Earth orbit.

### Program Context
Discoverer 33 was part of the larger Discoverer program, which was a series of satellites ostensibly designed for scientific research but actually served as a cover for the Corona photoreconnaissance satellite program. This dual-use approach was common during the Cold War to maintain secrecy around intelligence-gathering operations.

### Documentation and Legacy
The satellite has been documented in both English and Polish on Wikipedia, with a total of 2 sitelinks on Wikidata. It is classified as a spacecraft and specifically identified as a reconnaissance satellite in its Wikidata description. The satellite's NSSDCA ID is DISC33, and it has a Freebase ID of /m/0ch1h54, ensuring its place in space mission databases and historical records.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report