# KH-4 9039
**Wikidata**: [Q9196232](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q9196232)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kh-4-9039

## Summary
KH-4 9039 is an American reconnaissance satellite launched on July 21, 1962, for the purpose of covert intelligence and military data collection. It was placed into orbit using a Thor-Agena B launch vehicle from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 1. As a specialized orbital asset, it is identified by the Satellite Catalog Number 00344 and COSPAR ID 1962-031A.

## Key Facts
- **Classification:** Reconnaissance satellite
- **Launch Date:** July 21, 1962
- **Launch Vehicle:** Thor-Agena B
- **Launch Site:** Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 1
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 00344
- **COSPAR ID:** 1962-031A
- **Primary Function:** Covert collection of intelligence or military data
- **Instance Of:** Reconnaissance satellite

## FAQs
### Q: What was the primary mission of KH-4 9039?
A: KH-4 9039 was a reconnaissance satellite designed to covertly collect data for intelligence or military applications. It functioned as an orbital platform for strategic observation.

### Q: When and where was KH-4 9039 launched?
A: The satellite was launched on July 21, 1962. The launch took place at Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 1.

### Q: What type of rocket was used to deploy KH-4 9039?
A: KH-4 9039 was deployed using a Thor-Agena B, which is a specific class of American orbital launch vehicle.

## Why It Matters
KH-4 9039 represents a significant historical asset in the field of orbital intelligence gathering. As an early reconnaissance satellite, it was part of a specialized class of spacecraft designed to covertly collect data for military and intelligence applications. Launched in July 1962, this satellite reflects the technological efforts of the United States to maintain strategic awareness during the early Cold War era. The use of the Thor-Agena B launch vehicle and the Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 1 demonstrates the operational infrastructure used to establish American space capabilities during this period.

The mission of KH-4 9039 was centered on providing high-altitude data collection that could not be achieved through conventional terrestrial means. By operating in the orbital environment, it allowed for the gathering of intelligence for national security purposes. This role was essential for providing a reliable method for monitoring global developments and military installations from space. The satellite's successful deployment highlights the transition of intelligence gathering to sophisticated space-based platforms, a shift that fundamentally changed how global powers conducted surveillance. Its identification through the COSPAR ID 1962-031A and SCN 00344 ensures its place in the permanent record of human spaceflight and military history.

## Notable For
- **Launch Platform:** Deployed from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 1, a key site for American orbital missions.
- **Launch Vehicle:** Utilized the Thor-Agena B, a notable American orbital launch vehicle of the 1960s.
- **Technical Identification:** Tracked under the specific Satellite Catalog Number 00344 and COSPAR ID 1962-031A.
- **Mission Class:** Part of the early generation of reconnaissance satellites used for covert intelligence collection.

## Body

### Launch and Deployment
KH-4 9039 was launched on July 21, 1962. The mission was executed from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 1. The satellite was carried into orbit by a Thor-Agena B, an American orbital launch vehicle designed for delivering payloads into space. This event is recorded as a significant rocket launch in the history of American space operations.

### Technical Specifications and Identification
The satellite is categorized as an "instance of" a reconnaissance satellite. It is officially tracked in space catalogs using the following identifiers:
- **SCN (Satellite Catalog Number):** 00344
- **COSPAR ID:** 1962-031A

These identifiers allow for the precise tracking and historical documentation of the satellite's orbital path and mission timeline.

### Mission Purpose
As a reconnaissance satellite, the primary role of KH-4 9039 was the covert collection of data. This data was specifically intended for:
- Intelligence applications
- Military applications

The satellite functioned as a covert tool for gathering information that was not accessible through traditional ground-based or aerial reconnaissance methods. Its deployment in 1962 places it within a critical era of space-based surveillance development.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report