# KH-4A 1030
**Wikidata**: [Q28870615](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q28870615)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kh-4a-1030

## Summary
KH-4A 1030 was a Corona-class American strategic reconnaissance satellite launched on March 9, 1966, aboard a Thor-Agena D rocket. It was part of the U.S. Cold War-era satellite reconnaissance program designed to gather photographic intelligence. The mission is identified by COSPAR ID 1966-018A and satellite catalog number 02099.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: March 9, 1966
- **COSPAR ID**: 1966-018A
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN)**: 02099
- **Launch Vehicle**: Thor-Agena D
- **Mission Class**: Corona (U.S. reconnaissance satellite series)
- **Significant Event**: Rocket launch on March 9, 1966
- **Wikipedia Coverage**: Documented in Polish Wikipedia

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of the KH-4A 1030 mission?
A: KH-4A 1030 was a reconnaissance satellite designed to capture photographic intelligence as part of the U.S. Corona program during the Cold War.

### Q: When and how was KH-4A 1030 launched?
A: It was launched on March 9, 1966, using a Thor-Agena D rocket, a U.S. orbital launch vehicle.

### Q: What is the significance of KH-4A 1030’s COSPAR ID and SCN?
A: The COSPAR ID (1966-018A) and SCN (02099) are unique identifiers for tracking and cataloging the satellite in space missions.

## Why It Matters
KH-4A 1030 played a critical role in the U.S. Cold War reconnaissance efforts as part of the Corona program, the first successful photographic satellite system. These missions provided unprecedented intelligence-gathering capabilities, enabling the U.S. to monitor Soviet military activities and infrastructure without risking manned flights over hostile territory. The success of Corona satellites like KH-4A 1030 laid the foundation for modern satellite espionage and underscored the strategic importance of space-based reconnaissance in national security. Its launch in 1966 reflects the rapid advancement of space technology during the Space Race, demonstrating the integration of satellite systems with defense strategies.

## Notable For
- **Reconnaissance Mission**: Contributed to Cold War intelligence-gathering through photographic surveillance.
- **Thor-Agena D Launch**: Utilized a key U.S. rocket system for deploying early spy satellites.
- **Corona Program Affiliation**: Part of the pioneering satellite series that revolutionized overhead reconnaissance.
- **Documentation in Polish Wikipedia**: Highlighting its recognition in non-English historical and technical records.

## Body
### Launch Details
- **Date**: March 9, 1966
- **Vehicle**: Thor-Agena D, a two-stage rocket used for orbital launches, particularly for reconnaissance satellites.
- **Mission Objective**: Deploy a Corona KH-4A satellite for photographic intelligence collection.

### Mission Overview
- **Satellite Class**: KH-4A, a variant of the Corona satellites known for their film-return capsules.
- **Identifier**: COSPAR ID 1966-018A and SCN 02099, assigned for tracking and cataloging purposes.
- **Historical Context**: Operated during the Cold War, reflecting the U.S. emphasis on space-based reconnaissance to assess Soviet military capabilities.

### Technical Specifications
- **Launch Vehicle**: Thor-Agena D combined a Thor first stage with an Agena upper stage, enabling payload delivery to orbit.
- **Documentation**: Recorded in Polish Wikipedia, indicating its inclusion in international historical and technical references.
- **Significance**: Part of a series that significantly advanced U.S. intelligence capabilities, influencing later satellite reconnaissance programs.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report