# KH-4 9038
**Wikidata**: [Q11691524](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q11691524)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kh-4-9038

## Summary
KH-4 9038 was a U.S. reconnaissance satellite launched in 1962 to covertly collect intelligence, part of the Cold War-era Corona program. It was deployed aboard a Thor-Agena D rocket but failed due to a camera malfunction, highlighting early challenges in space-based espionage. The mission operated under the cover name "Discoverer."

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: June 28, 1962
- **Launch Vehicle**: Thor-Agena D
- **Launch Site**: Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2
- **COSPAR ID**: 1962-027A
- **SCN**: 00316
- **Type**: Reconnaissance satellite (KH-4 series)
- **Mission Outcome**: Failed due to camera door malfunction
- **Harvard Designation**: 1962 Alpha Gamma 1

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of KH-4 9038?
A: KH-4 9038 was designed to conduct photographic reconnaissance for U.S. intelligence during the Cold War, capturing imagery of Soviet and other strategic targets.

### Q: Was the KH-4 9038 mission successful?
A: No, the mission failed when the satellite's camera door failed to open, preventing it from capturing usable imagery.

### Q: What rocket launched KH-4 9038?
A: The satellite was launched aboard a Thor-Agena D rocket, a U.S. orbital launch vehicle used for classified missions.

## Why It Matters
KH-4 9038 represents an early attempt to leverage space-based reconnaissance during the Cold War, a critical period for intelligence-gathering. Though the mission failed, it contributed to advancements in satellite technology and operational protocols. The KH-4 series, despite setbacks, played a pivotal role in verifying arms control agreements and reducing geopolitical tensions by providing unprecedented visual intelligence. Its failure underscored the technical complexities of space espionage, driving improvements in subsequent missions.

## Notable For
- First KH-4 satellite launched in 1962, expanding U.S. reconnaissance capabilities.
- Failure due to a camera door malfunction, a recurring issue in early Corona missions.
- Use of the Thor-Agena D rocket, a workhorse for classified payloads.
- Part of the covert Corona program, declassified in 1995.
- Assigned the Harvard designation "1962 Alpha Gamma 1" for tracking.

## Body
### Launch and Deployment
KH-4 9038 launched on June 28, 1962, from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2 aboard a Thor-Agena D rocket. The mission operated under the cover name "Discoverer" to conceal its intelligence-gathering purpose.

### Mission Details
- **COSPAR ID**: 1962-027A
- **SCN**: 00316
- **Harvard Designation**: 1962 Alpha Gamma 1
- **NSSDCA ID**: 1962-027A

### Mission Outcome
The satellite failed to return usable imagery after the camera door mechanism malfunctioned, preventing the exposure of film. This issue was a recurring problem in early KH-4 missions, leading to design adjustments in later launches.

### Legacy
Despite the failure, KH-4 9038 contributed to the evolution of the Corona program, which ultimately provided critical intelligence on Soviet military capabilities. The mission highlighted the risks and complexities of space-based reconnaissance, informing improvements in satellite reliability and mission design.

## References

1. [KH-4 9038. NASA Space Science Data Coordinated Archive](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=1962-027A)
2. Jonathan's Space Report