# KH-4A 1009
**Wikidata**: [Q9196291](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q9196291)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kh-4a-1009

## Summary
KH-4A 1009 is an American reconnaissance satellite launched on August 5, 1964. It was deployed into orbit using a Thor-Agena D rocket from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 1. The satellite is identified by the international designator COSPAR ID 1964-043A and Satellite Catalog Number 00846.

## Key Facts
*   **Classification:** KH-4A 1009 is an instance of a **reconnaissance satellite**, a class of satellite designed to covertly collect data for intelligence or military applications.
*   **Launch Date:** The satellite was launched on **August 5, 1964**.
*   **Launch Vehicle:** It was delivered to orbit by a **Thor-Agena D** American orbital launch vehicle.
*   **Launch Site:** The launch originated from **Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 1**.
*   **COSPAR ID:** The international designation for this object is **1964-043A**.
*   **Satellite Catalog Number:** The US Space Command designation is **00846**.
*   **Significant Event:** The mission involved a **rocket launch** event at the specified point in time and location.
*   **Wolfram Language Entity:** It is coded as `Entity["Satellite", "00846"]` in the Wolfram Language.

## FAQs
### Q: What type of satellite is KH-4A 1009?
A: KH-4A 1009 is a reconnaissance satellite. This classification refers to a satellite used to covertly collect data for intelligence or military applications.

### Q: When and how was KH-4A 1009 launched?
A: The satellite was launched on August 5, 1964, aboard a Thor-Agena D rocket. The launch took place at Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 1.

### Q: What are the specific identifiers for KH-4A 1009?
A: The satellite carries the COSPAR ID 1964-043A and the Satellite Catalog Number (SCN) 00846.

## Why It Matters
KH-4A 1009 serves as a specific historical record of American space-based intelligence operations during the mid-1960s. As a reconnaissance satellite, it represents the technological infrastructure used during the Cold War to gather critical information via orbital platforms. The mission illustrates the operational use of the Thor-Agena D rocket system, a workhorse launch vehicle of that era, and highlights the activity at Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 1. The precise tracking of this object through identifiers like COSPAR 1964-043A and SCN 00846 demonstrates the rigorous cataloging required for space situational awareness and historical archiving of orbital assets.

## Notable For
*   **Intelligence Role:** Functioned as a platform for covert data collection for military applications.
*   **Specific Orbital Designation:** Uniquely identified by the COSPAR ID 1964-043A.
*   **Launch Configuration:** Utilized the Thor-Agena D launch system.
*   **Launch Location:** Deployed from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 1.

## Body
### Mission Profile
KH-4A 1009 was launched on **August 5, 1964**, marking its insertion into orbit as part of a broader intelligence gathering initiative. The mission is formally classified as a **reconnaissance satellite** operation, designed to collect data for intelligence purposes.

### Launch Specifications
The launch was executed using a **Thor-Agena D** vehicle, an American orbital launch system. The launch point was recorded as **Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 1**. This event is categorized as a "rocket launch," taking place at the specific coordinates and time associated with the Vandenberg complex.

### Technical Identifiers
The satellite is tracked and referenced in aerospace databases through several unique identifiers:
*   **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 00846
*   **COSPAR International Designator:** 1964-043A
*   **Wolfram Language Code:** Entity["Satellite", "00846"]

These identifiers link the physical object to its launch date and orbital parameters in academic and scientific repositories. The satellite is documented in Polish language Wikipedia sources, reflecting its inclusion in global space object catalogs.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report