# KH-6 8003

> U.S. reconnaissance satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q9196263](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q9196263)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kh-6-8003

## Summary
KH-6 8003 was a U.S. reconnaissance satellite launched in 1963 as part of the unsuccessful KH-6 Lanyard series. It was designed for intelligence-gathering purposes and launched aboard a Thor-Agena D rocket from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: July 31, 1963  
- **COSPAR ID**: 1963-032A  
- **NSSDCA ID**: 1963-032A  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Thor-Agena D  
- **Launch Site**: Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2  
- **Series**: KH-6 Lanyard (a class of unsuccessful U.S. reconnaissance satellites)  
- **Alias**: Corona 68  
- **Significant Event**: Rocket launch on July 31, 1963, at Vandenberg  

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of KH-6 8003?  
A: KH-6 8003 was a U.S. reconnaissance satellite designed for intelligence-gathering missions during the Cold War.  

### Q: Was KH-6 8003 successful?  
A: No, it was part of the KH-6 Lanyard series, which was ultimately unsuccessful in achieving its objectives.  

### Q: What rocket launched KH-6 8003?  
A: It was launched aboard a Thor-Agena D orbital launch vehicle.  

## Why It Matters  
KH-6 8003 represents an early effort in U.S. satellite reconnaissance during the Cold War, a period marked by intense geopolitical tension and the need for advanced intelligence capabilities. Although unsuccessful, missions like KH-6 8003 laid the groundwork for later advancements in spy satellite technology. Its launch reflects the broader U.S. strategy of leveraging space-based assets for national security, influencing subsequent developments in military and civilian satellite programs.  

## Notable For  
- Part of the KH-6 Lanyard series, a notable but unsuccessful reconnaissance program.  
- Launched from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2, a key site for U.S. military space missions.  
- Used the Thor-Agena D rocket, a significant launch vehicle in early U.S. space efforts.  

## Body  
### Launch Details  
- **Date**: July 31, 1963  
- **Site**: Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2  
- **Vehicle**: Thor-Agena D  

### Classification  
- **Series**: KH-6 Lanyard (unsuccessful reconnaissance satellites)  
- **Alias**: Also known as Corona 68  

### Technical Context  
- **COSPAR/NSSDCA ID**: 1963-032A  
- **Mission Type**: Reconnaissance  

### Historical Context  
- Part of early U.S. efforts to develop reliable satellite reconnaissance during the Cold War.  
- Demonstrated challenges in early spy satellite technology, leading to later innovations.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report