# KH-4A 1002
**Wikidata**: [Q9196266](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q9196266)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kh-4a-1002

## Summary
KH-4A 1002 was a reconnaissance satellite launched on September 23, 1963, for the purpose of covert data collection. It was deployed into orbit using a Thor-Agena D launch vehicle from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2. The satellite is identified by the international designation COSPAR ID 1963-037A and the Satellite Catalog Number 00668.

## Key Facts
- **Classification:** Reconnaissance satellite (designed to covertly collect data for intelligence or military applications).
- **Launch Date:** September 23, 1963.
- **Launch Vehicle:** Thor-Agena D (American orbital launch vehicle).
- **Launch Site:** Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2.
- **COSPAR ID:** 1963-037A.
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 00668.
- **Significant Event:** Rocket launch occurring on September 23, 1963, at Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2.
- **Wolfram Language Entity Code:** `Entity["Satellite", "00668"]`.

## FAQs
### Q: When was KH-4A 1002 launched?
A: KH-4A 1002 was launched on September 23, 1963.

### Q: What type of entity is KH-4A 1002?
A: It is classified as a reconnaissance satellite, which is a satellite used to covertly collect data for intelligence or military applications.

### Q: What rocket was used to launch KH-4A 1002?
A: The satellite was launched using a Thor-Agena D, an American orbital launch vehicle.

### Q: Where did the launch of KH-4A 1002 originate?
A: The launch originated from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2.

## Why It Matters
KH-4A 1002 represents a specific mission within the broader context of early space-based intelligence gathering. As a reconnaissance satellite launched in 1963, it illustrates the rapid development and deployment of orbital assets for military applications during the Cold War era. The mission utilized the Thor-Agena D system, a workhorse launch vehicle of the period, highlighting the reliance on converted ballistic missile technology for accessing space.

The entry is significant for researchers and historians tracking the lineage of satellite catalog numbers and COSPAR IDs. Its specific identifiers, such as SCN 00668 and COSPAR 1963-037A, allow for precise tracking and differentiation from other objects in the orbital catalog. By logging this launch from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2, the data preserves the operational history of one of the United States' primary spaceports for military and reconnaissance missions.

## Notable For
- Being a distinct instance of a **reconnaissance satellite** designed for covert intelligence collection.
- Utilizing the **Thor-Agena D** American orbital launch vehicle.
- Being identified by the specific **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN) 00668**.
- Launching from the strategically important **Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2**.
- Having a specific **Wolfram Language entity code** (`Entity["Satellite", "00668"]`), indicating its inclusion in computational knowledge bases.

## Body

### Mission Identity and Classification
KH-4A 1002 is formally classified as a **reconnaissance satellite**. According to structural property data, this class of satellite is defined by its capability to covertly collect data for intelligence or military applications. The entity is assigned the **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN)** 00668 and the **COSPAR ID** 1963-037A, which serve as unique international identifiers for the object in space tracking databases.

### Launch Operations
The launch of KH-4A 1002 took place on **September 23, 1963**. The mission utilized a **Thor-Agena D** rocket, which is categorized as an American orbital launch vehicle.

*   **Launch Date:** 1963-09-23
*   **Point in Time:** 1963-09-23
*   **Start Point:** Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2

The launch event is recorded as a "rocket launch" situated specifically at Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2, a well-documented site for such operations.

### Data and References
The entity is documented across multiple data systems. It is referenced by the Wikidata property **P248** (stated in) corresponding to **Q6272367** and **P143** (imported from) **Q1551807**. Additionally, the entity has a presence in the Polish Wikipedia (language code: pl) and is computationally accessible via the **Wolfram Language** code `Entity["Satellite", "00668"]`.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report