# KH 7-17

> American reconnaissance satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q11732929](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q11732929)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kh-7-17

## Summary
KH 7-17 was an American reconnaissance satellite launched on April 28, 1965, as part of the KH-7 Gambit series. It was operated by the United States Air Force and used an Atlas SLV-3 Agena-D launch vehicle. The satellite had a mass of 2,000 kilograms and was part of the Gambit program, which focused on high-resolution photographic reconnaissance.

## Key Facts
- **Class**: KH-7 Gambit reconnaissance satellite
- **Launch Date**: April 28, 1965, at 21:15 UTC
- **Launch Site**: Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East
- **Launch Vehicle**: Atlas SLV-3 Agena-D
- **Mass**: 2,000 kilograms
- **Operator**: United States Air Force
- **Manufacturer**:
  - General Electric (Orbital Control Vehicle and Satellite Recovery Vehicle)
  - Kodak (Photographic Payload Section)
- **COSPAR ID**: 1965-031A
- **Significant Events**:
  - Rocket launch from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East
  - Atmospheric entry of the space capsule on May 3, 1965
- **Aliases**: OPS 4983, GAMBIT SV 967, AFP-206 F17, Mission 4017, GAMBIT-1 17

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of the KH 7-17 satellite?
A: The KH 7-17 satellite was part of the KH-7 Gambit series, which was designed for high-resolution photographic reconnaissance. It was operated by the United States Air Force to gather intelligence through satellite imagery.

### Q: When and where was KH 7-17 launched?
A: KH 7-17 was launched on April 28, 1965, at 21:15 UTC from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East using an Atlas SLV-3 Agena-D launch vehicle.

### Q: Who manufactured the KH 7-17 satellite?
A: The satellite was manufactured by General Electric for the Orbital Control Vehicle and Satellite Recovery Vehicle components, while Kodak was responsible for the Photographic Payload Section.

### Q: What was the mass of the KH 7-17 satellite?
A: The KH 7-17 satellite had a mass of 2,000 kilograms.

### Q: What were some of the significant events involving KH 7-17?
A: Significant events included its launch from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East and the atmospheric entry of its space capsule on May 3, 1965.

## Why It Matters
The KH 7-17 satellite was part of the Gambit program, which played a crucial role in the early days of satellite-based reconnaissance. The program aimed to provide high-resolution imagery for military and intelligence purposes, contributing to the development of space-based surveillance capabilities. The satellite's successful launch and operation demonstrated the feasibility of using satellites for reconnaissance, paving the way for future advancements in space-based imaging technology. The KH 7-17 mission highlighted the importance of satellite reconnaissance in national security and intelligence gathering, influencing subsequent programs and technologies in the field.

## Notable For
- **Part of the KH-7 Gambit series**, one of the earliest satellite reconnaissance programs.
- **Used the Atlas SLV-3 Agena-D launch vehicle**, a key system for early satellite deployments.
- **Operated by the United States Air Force**, contributing to military intelligence capabilities.
- **Included a Photographic Payload Section by Kodak**, showcasing collaboration between military and commercial entities.
- **Successfully completed its mission**, providing valuable reconnaissance data for intelligence purposes.

## Body
### Overview
KH 7-17 was a reconnaissance satellite launched as part of the KH-7 Gambit series, which was developed by the United States Air Force. The satellite was designed to capture high-resolution images for military and intelligence purposes.

### Launch Details
- **Launch Date**: April 28, 1965, at 21:15 UTC
- **Launch Site**: Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East
- **Launch Vehicle**: Atlas SLV-3 Agena-D

### Specifications
- **Mass**: 2,000 kilograms
- **Manufacturer**:
  - General Electric (Orbital Control Vehicle and Satellite Recovery Vehicle)
  - Kodak (Photographic Payload Section)

### Operation
- **Operator**: United States Air Force
- **COSPAR ID**: 1965-031A

### Significant Events
- **Rocket Launch**: Successfully launched from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East.
- **Atmospheric Entry**: The space capsule underwent atmospheric entry on May 3, 1965.

### Aliases
- OPS 4983
- GAMBIT SV 967
- AFP-206 F17
- Mission 4017
- GAMBIT-1 17

### Context
The KH 7-17 satellite was part of the Gambit program, which aimed to provide high-resolution imagery for reconnaissance. The program contributed to the development of space-based surveillance capabilities and influenced future satellite reconnaissance technologies.

## 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/display.action?id=1965-031A)