# KH 7-22

> American reconnaissance satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q21758841](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q21758841)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kh-7-22

## Summary
KH 7-22 was an American reconnaissance satellite launched on September 30, 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 designed for photographic reconnaissance.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: September 30, 1965, at 19:23:38 UTC from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East.
- **Mass**: 2,000 kilograms.
- **Operator**: United States Air Force.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Atlas SLV-3 Agena-D (serial number 7110).
- **Manufacturer**: General Electric (spacecraft) and Kodak (photographic payload).
- **Country of Origin**: United States.
- **COSPAR ID**: 1965-076A.
- **Significant Event**: Atmospheric entry of the space capsule on October 5, 1965.
- **Aliases**: KH7-22, GAMBIT-1 22, Mission 4022, OPS 7208, AFP-206 SV 972, GAMBIT SV 972.

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of KH 7-22?
A: KH 7-22 was a reconnaissance satellite designed to capture high-resolution photographic imagery for military intelligence purposes.

### Q: Who operated KH 7-22?
A: The satellite was operated by the United States Air Force as part of its reconnaissance program.

### Q: What was the launch vehicle used for KH 7-22?
A: The satellite was launched using an Atlas SLV-3 Agena-D rocket, serial number 7110.

### Q: When did KH 7-22 re-enter the atmosphere?
A: The space capsule of KH 7-22 re-entered the atmosphere on October 5, 1965.

### Q: What were the key manufacturers involved in KH 7-22?
A: General Electric manufactured the spacecraft, while Kodak was responsible for the photographic payload section.

## Why It Matters
KH 7-22 was part of the KH-7 Gambit series, a critical component of 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 successful launch and operation demonstrated the capabilities of the Atlas SLV-3 Agena-D rocket and the reliability of the KH-7 system. The mission highlighted the importance of space-based reconnaissance in maintaining situational awareness and countering potential threats. The satellite's re-entry event marked the end of its operational life, but its legacy continues to influence modern reconnaissance technologies.

## Notable For
- **First of its kind**: KH 7-22 was the first satellite in the KH-7 Gambit series, setting a precedent for subsequent missions.
- **High-resolution imagery**: The satellite provided detailed photographic reconnaissance, crucial for military intelligence.
- **Atlas SLV-3 Agena-D success**: The launch vehicle successfully delivered the satellite to orbit, showcasing its reliability.
- **Cold War significance**: The mission played a role in the U.S. reconnaissance program during the Cold War era.
- **Space capsule re-entry**: The controlled atmospheric entry of the space capsule marked the end of the satellite's operational phase.

## Body
### Overview
KH 7-22 was a reconnaissance satellite launched on September 30, 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 designed for photographic reconnaissance.

### Launch and Operation
- **Launch Date**: The satellite was launched on September 30, 1965, at 19:23:38 UTC from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East.
- **Launch Vehicle**: The Atlas SLV-3 Agena-D rocket, serial number 7110, was used for the launch.
- **Operator**: The United States Air Force managed the satellite's operations.

### Design and Manufacture
- **Mass**: The satellite weighed 2,000 kilograms.
- **Manufacturer**: General Electric was responsible for the spacecraft, while Kodak provided the photographic payload section.
- **Country of Origin**: The satellite was developed and launched by the United States.

### Mission Details
- **COSPAR ID**: The satellite's COSPAR ID is 1965-076A.
- **Significant Event**: The space capsule re-entered the atmosphere on October 5, 1965.

### Legacy and Significance
- **Reconnaissance Role**: KH 7-22 contributed to military intelligence by providing high-resolution imagery.
- **Cold War Era**: The satellite played a role in the U.S. reconnaissance program during the Cold War.
- **Technological Achievement**: The mission demonstrated the capabilities of the Atlas SLV-3 Agena-D rocket and the KH-7 system.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/kh-7.htm)
3. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/displayTrajectory.action?id=1965-076A)
4. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=1965-076A)