# KH-6 8002

> U.S. reconnaissance satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q9196257](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q9196257)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kh-6-8002

## Summary  
KH-6 8002, also known as Corona 64, was a U.S. reconnaissance satellite launched on May 18, 1963, as part of the KH-6 Lanyard program. It was launched from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 1 using a Thor-Agena D rocket. The mission was part of early Cold War efforts to gather intelligence through space-based surveillance.

## Key Facts  
- Official designation: KH-6 8002  
- Alias: Corona 64  
- COSPAR ID: 1963-016A  
- NSSDCA ID: 1963-016A  
- Instance of: KH-6 Lanyard reconnaissance satellite  
- Launch date: May 18, 1963  
- Launch site: Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 1  
- Launch vehicle: Thor-Agena D  
- Significant event: Rocket launch on May 18, 1963 at Vandenberg SLC-1  
- Wikidata description: U.S. reconnaissance satellite  

## FAQs  
### Q: What was the purpose of KH-6 8002?  
A: KH-6 8002 was designed for reconnaissance purposes during the Cold War. It was part of the U.S. effort to collect intelligence via satellite imagery.  

### Q: When was KH-6 8002 launched?  
A: KH-6 8002 was launched on May 18, 1963.  

### Q: What launch vehicle was used for KH-6 8002?  
A: The satellite was launched using a Thor-Agena D rocket from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 1.  

## Why It Matters  
KH-6 8002 represents a key phase in the evolution of American space-based reconnaissance during the Cold War. As part of the KH-6 Lanyard program, it contributed to early attempts at acquiring high-resolution imagery of strategic areas. Though the broader KH-6 series faced challenges, these missions laid groundwork for more successful systems like the Corona program’s successors. KH-6 8002 exemplifies the technological and geopolitical stakes of early U.S. space surveillance efforts.

## Notable For  
- Being part of the KH-6 Lanyard class, a series of experimental reconnaissance satellites  
- Launching under the codename Corona 64  
- Using the Thor-Agena D launch system, a common booster for early U.S. satellite missions  
- Contributing to the development of future imaging reconnaissance platforms  

## Body  
### Mission Overview  
KH-6 8002 was an optical reconnaissance satellite developed by the United States during the Cold War. It belonged to the KH-6 Lanyard class, which aimed to improve upon earlier Corona missions with enhanced camera systems.

### Technical Details  
- Designation: KH-6 8002  
- Alias: Corona 64  
- Program affiliation: KH-6 Lanyard  
- Payload: High-resolution film-return optical camera system  

### Launch Information  
- Launch Date: May 18, 1963  
- Launch Vehicle: Thor-Agena D  
- Launch Site: Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 1  
- COSPAR ID: 1963-016A  
- NSSDCA ID: 1963-016A  

### Operational Context  
The KH-6 Lanyard program followed earlier Corona missions and sought to refine mid-altitude reconnaissance techniques. KH-6 8002 was one of several satellites in this experimental series, most of which were ultimately deemed unsuccessful. Despite limited success, the program informed later developments in national reconnaissance capabilities.

### Historical Significance  
KH-6 8002 reflects the rapid advancement and experimentation in U.S. space reconnaissance during the early 1960s. Its launch occurred amid growing tensions with the Soviet Union, making such intelligence-gathering efforts critical to national security strategy.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report