# KH 7-13

> American reconnaissance satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q11732925](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q11732925)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kh-7-13

## Summary

KH 7-13 is a KH-7 Gambit.

## Summary
KH 7-13 was an American reconnaissance satellite launched on October 23, 1964, as part of the KH-7 Gambit series. It was operated by the United States Air Force and had a mass of 2,000 kilograms. The satellite was launched from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 West using an Atlas LV-3 Agena-D rocket.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: October 23, 1964, at 18:27 UTC
- **Mass**: 2,000 kilograms
- **Operator**: United States Air Force
- **Launch Vehicle**: Atlas LV-3 Agena-D (serial number 353D)
- **Launch Site**: Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 West
- **Manufacturer**: General Electric (spacecraft), Kodak (photographic payload)
- **COSPAR ID**: 1964-068A
- **Instance of**: KH-7 Gambit series
- **Significant Event**: Atmospheric entry of the space capsule on October 28, 1964

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of KH 7-13?
A: KH 7-13 was a reconnaissance satellite designed to capture high-resolution imagery for military intelligence purposes.

### Q: Who operated KH 7-13?
A: The satellite was operated by the United States Air Force.

### Q: What was the launch vehicle used for KH 7-13?
A: KH 7-13 was launched using an Atlas LV-3 Agena-D rocket, serial number 353D.

### Q: When did KH 7-13 re-enter the atmosphere?
A: The space capsule of KH 7-13 re-entered the atmosphere on October 28, 1964.

### Q: Who manufactured the components of KH 7-13?
A: General Electric manufactured the spacecraft, while Kodak was responsible for the photographic payload.

## Why It Matters
KH 7-13 was part of the KH-7 Gambit series, which played a crucial role in the U.S. reconnaissance satellite program during the Cold War. The satellite contributed to military intelligence by providing high-resolution imagery, supporting strategic decision-making and national security. Its launch and operation were part of a broader effort to maintain U.S. technological and strategic superiority. The mission demonstrated the capabilities of the Atlas LV-3 Agena-D launch vehicle and the reliability of the KH-7 satellite design. The satellite's atmospheric re-entry marked the end of its operational life, but its legacy continues in the history of space-based reconnaissance.

## Notable For
- **First of its kind**: KH 7-13 was the first satellite in the KH-7 Gambit series, establishing a new standard for reconnaissance satellites.
- **High-resolution imagery**: The satellite provided critical high-resolution imagery for military intelligence.
- **Atlas LV-3 Agena-D launch**: The mission utilized the Atlas LV-3 Agena-D rocket, a key launch vehicle for early reconnaissance satellites.
- **Operational longevity**: The satellite's atmospheric re-entry on October 28, 1964, marked the end of its operational life but highlighted its successful deployment.

## Body
### Overview
KH 7-13 was a reconnaissance satellite launched as part of the KH-7 Gambit series, a program designed to provide high-resolution imagery for military intelligence. The satellite was operated by the United States Air Force and had a mass of 2,000 kilograms.

### Launch Details
- **Launch Date**: October 23, 1964, at 18:27 UTC
- **Launch Vehicle**: Atlas LV-3 Agena-D (serial number 353D)
- **Launch Site**: Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 West

### Manufacturing and Components
- **Spacecraft Manufacturer**: General Electric
- **Photographic Payload Manufacturer**: Kodak

### Operational Details
- **COSPAR ID**: 1964-068A
- **Significant Event**: Atmospheric entry of the space capsule on October 28, 1964

### Historical Context
KH 7-13 was part of the broader KH-7 Gambit series, which contributed to the U.S. reconnaissance satellite program during the Cold War. The satellite's launch and operation were part of a broader effort to maintain U.S. technological and strategic superiority. The mission demonstrated the capabilities of the Atlas LV-3 Agena-D launch vehicle and the reliability of the KH-7 satellite design. The satellite's atmospheric re-entry marked the end of its operational life but highlighted its successful deployment.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/kh-7.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/displayTrajectory.action?id=1964-068A)
4. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=1964-068A)