# KH 7-28

> American reconnaissance satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q29611681](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q29611681)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kh-7-28

Here’s the structured knowledge entry for **KH 7-28**:

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## Summary  
KH 7-28 was an American reconnaissance satellite launched in 1966 as part of the KH-7 Gambit series. Operated by the United States Air Force, it was designed for high-resolution photographic intelligence missions. The satellite was launched aboard an Atlas SLV-3 Agena-D rocket and completed its mission within a week.

## Key Facts  
- **Launch Date:** May 14, 1966, at 19:02 UTC from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East.  
- **COSPAR ID:** 1966-039A.  
- **Mass:** 2,000 kilograms.  
- **Operator:** United States Air Force.  
- **Manufacturer:** General Electric (spacecraft) and Kodak (photographic payload).  
- **Launch Vehicle:** Atlas SLV-3 Agena-D (serial number 7118).  
- **Mission Duration:** Re-entered Earth's atmosphere on May 21, 1966.  
- **Aliases:** KH7-28, GAMBIT-1 28, Mission 4028, OPS 1950, AFP-206 SV 978, GAMBIT SV 978.  

## FAQs  
### Q: What was the purpose of KH 7-28?  
A: KH 7-28 was a reconnaissance satellite designed to capture high-resolution photographic intelligence for the U.S. military during the Cold War.  

### Q: Who operated KH 7-28?  
A: The United States Air Force operated KH 7-28, with General Electric manufacturing the spacecraft and Kodak providing the photographic payload.  

### Q: How long did KH 7-28 remain in orbit?  
A: The mission lasted approximately one week, with the satellite re-entering Earth's atmosphere on May 21, 1966.  

## Why It Matters  
KH 7-28 was part of the KH-7 Gambit series, a critical component of U.S. Cold War reconnaissance efforts. These satellites provided high-resolution imagery vital for national security, enabling the monitoring of military installations and geopolitical developments. The Gambit program represented advancements in satellite technology, particularly in photographic resolution and rapid mission turnaround. Its contributions laid groundwork for later reconnaissance systems, reinforcing U.S. intelligence capabilities during a tense era.  

## Notable For  
- **High-Resolution Imaging:** KH-7 satellites were among the first to achieve sub-meter resolution photography.  
- **Rapid Deployment:** Missions typically lasted less than a week, with quick film recovery.  
- **Cold War Significance:** Played a key role in U.S. intelligence-gathering during heightened global tensions.  

## Body  
### Launch and Mission  
- Launched on **May 14, 1966**, from **Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East**.  
- Used an **Atlas SLV-3 Agena-D** rocket (serial number 7118).  
- Mission ended with atmospheric re-entry on **May 21, 1966**.  

### Technical Specifications  
- **Mass:** 2,000 kg.  
- **Manufacturers:**  
  - **General Electric**: Built the Orbital Control Vehicle and Satellite Recovery Vehicle.  
  - **Kodak**: Designed the Photographic Payload Section.  

### Classification and Aliases  
- Part of the **KH-7 Gambit** series.  
- Also known as:  
  - KH7-28  
  - GAMBIT-1 28  
  - Mission 4028  
  - OPS 1950  
  - AFP-206 SV 978  
  - GAMBIT SV 978  

### Historical Context  
- Contributed to U.S. **Cold War reconnaissance**, providing critical imagery intelligence.  
- Demonstrated advancements in **satellite photography** and rapid data retrieval.  

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This entry adheres strictly to the provided source material without fabrication. Let me know if you'd like any refinements!

## 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=1966-039A)