# Discoverer 9

> American military reconnaissance satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q369017](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q369017)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Discoverer_9)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/discoverer-9

## Summary
Discoverer 9 was an American military reconnaissance satellite launched on February 4, 1960. It was part of the Corona program, designed to covertly collect data for intelligence or military applications. The satellite had a mass of 765 kilograms and a diameter of 1.52 meters.

## Key Facts
*   Discoverer 9 was launched on February 4, 1960.
*   It was an American military reconnaissance satellite.
*   The satellite was part of the Corona program.
*   It was launched from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 1.
*   The launch vehicle used was a Thor-Agena A.
*   Discoverer 9 had a mass of 765 kilograms.
*   Its diameter measured 1.52 meters.
*   It is also known by the alias Corona 9006.

## FAQs
### Q: What was Discoverer 9?
A: Discoverer 9 was an American military reconnaissance satellite. Its primary purpose was to covertly collect data for intelligence or military applications as part of the Corona program.

### Q: When was Discoverer 9 launched?
A: Discoverer 9 was launched on February 4, 1960. The launch took place from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 1.

### Q: What was the launch vehicle for Discoverer 9?
A: Discoverer 9 was launched using a Thor-Agena A orbital launch vehicle. This vehicle is an American orbital launch vehicle class.

### Q: What was the mass of Discoverer 9?
A: Discoverer 9 had a mass of 765 kilograms. Its diameter was 1.52 meters.

## Why It Matters
Discoverer 9 holds significance as an early American military reconnaissance satellite and a component of the Corona program. Its launch represented a critical step in the development of space-based intelligence gathering capabilities for the United States. As a reconnaissance satellite, its role was to covertly collect data for intelligence or military applications, providing valuable information during a period of geopolitical tension. The successful deployment and operation of such satellites were instrumental in advancing national security interests by offering unprecedented surveillance capabilities from orbit. Discoverer 9 contributed to the foundational efforts that shaped future generations of reconnaissance technology, demonstrating the strategic importance of space assets for military and intelligence purposes. Its existence underscores the early commitment to leveraging space for national defense and intelligence, marking a pivotal moment in the space race and the evolution of modern warfare.

## Notable For
*   Being an early American military reconnaissance satellite.
*   Its designation as part of the Corona program.
*   Its launch on February 4, 1960, from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 1.
*   Utilizing the Thor-Agena A launch vehicle.

## Body

### Overview
Discoverer 9 was an American military reconnaissance satellite. It was classified as an instance of a reconnaissance satellite, which is defined as a satellite that covertly collects data for intelligence or military applications. The satellite was also known by the alias Corona 9006.

### Program Affiliation
Discoverer 9 was part of the Corona program. The Corona program was a series of American reconnaissance satellites.

### Launch Details
*   **Launch Date:** February 4, 1960
*   **Launch Site:** Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 1
*   **Launch Vehicle:** Thor-Agena A
    *   The Thor-Agena A is an American orbital launch vehicle class.
*   The launch was a significant event for Discoverer 9.

### Physical Characteristics
*   **Mass:** 765 kilograms
*   **Diameter:** 1.52 meters

### Identifiers
*   **NSSDC ID:** DISC9
*   **Freebase ID:** /m/012kx13r
*   **Wikipedia Title:** Discoverer 9
*   **Commons Category:** Discoverer 9

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report