# KH 7-30

> American reconnaissance satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q101341499](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q101341499)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kh-7-30

## Summary
KH 7-30 was an American reconnaissance satellite launched on July 12, 1966, as part of the KH-7 Gambit series. It was operated by the United States Air Force and weighed approximately 2,000 kilograms. The satellite was launched from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East using an Atlas SLV-3 Agena-D rocket.

## Key Facts
- **Class**: Part of the KH-7 Gambit series of U.S. reconnaissance satellites.
- **Mass**: Approximately 2,000 kilograms.
- **Launch Date**: July 12, 1966, at 17:55 UTC.
- **Launch Site**: Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Atlas SLV-3 Agena-D (serial number 7120).
- **Operator**: United States Air Force.
- **Manufacturer**: General Electric (spacecraft and recovery vehicle), Kodak (photographic payload section).
- **COSPAR ID**: 1966-062A.
- **Significant Event**: Atmospheric entry of the space capsule on July 20, 1966.
- **Aliases**: KH7-30, GAMBIT-1 30, Mission 4030, OPS 1850, AFP-206 SV 980, GAMBIT SV 980.

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of KH 7-30?
A: KH 7-30 was a reconnaissance satellite designed to gather intelligence imagery for the United States Air Force. It was part of the KH-7 Gambit series, which used film-return capsules to capture high-resolution images of strategic targets.

### Q: How was KH 7-30 launched?
A: KH 7-30 was launched on July 12, 1966, from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East using an Atlas SLV-3 Agena-D rocket (serial number 7120).

### Q: What was the mass of KH 7-30?
A: The satellite had a mass of approximately 2,000 kilograms.

### Q: Who operated KH 7-30?
A: The satellite was operated by the United States Air Force.

### Q: What was the significance of the atmospheric entry event?
A: The space capsule of KH 7-30 re-entered the atmosphere on July 20, 1966, marking the end of its operational phase.

## Why It Matters
KH 7-30 was a critical component of the U.S. reconnaissance satellite program during the Cold War. As part of the KH-7 Gambit series, it played a vital role in gathering high-resolution imagery of strategic targets, supporting national security and intelligence operations. The satellite's successful launch and operation demonstrated the capabilities of the Atlas SLV-3 Agena-D rocket and the reliability of the KH-7 system. Its atmospheric entry event marked the conclusion of its mission, contributing to the broader legacy of U.S. space-based reconnaissance.

## Notable For
- **Part of the KH-7 Gambit series**, one of the most advanced reconnaissance satellite programs of the era.
- **Launched by the Atlas SLV-3 Agena-D**, a reliable expendable launch system.
- **Operated by the U.S. Air Force**, ensuring critical intelligence gathering.
- **Used a film-return capsule**, allowing high-resolution imagery to be retrieved.
- **Had a mass of 2,000 kilograms**, reflecting its size and payload capacity.

## Body
### Overview
KH 7-30 was a reconnaissance satellite launched as part of the KH-7 Gambit series, operated by the United States Air Force. It was designed to capture high-resolution imagery of strategic targets, supporting intelligence operations during the Cold War.

### Launch Details
- **Date**: July 12, 1966, at 17:55 UTC.
- **Site**: Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East.
- **Vehicle**: Atlas SLV-3 Agena-D (serial number 7120).

### Specifications
- **Mass**: Approximately 2,000 kilograms.
- **Manufacturer**: General Electric (spacecraft and recovery vehicle), Kodak (photographic payload section).
- **COSPAR ID**: 1966-062A.

### Mission Events
- **Atmospheric Entry**: The space capsule re-entered the atmosphere on July 20, 1966, concluding the mission.

### Significance
KH 7-30 contributed to the broader mission of the KH-7 Gambit series, which used film-return capsules to gather critical intelligence. Its successful operation highlighted the capabilities of the Atlas SLV-3 Agena-D rocket and the reliability of the KH-7 system. The satellite's atmospheric entry marked the end of its operational phase, reflecting the broader legacy of U.S. space-based reconnaissance.

## 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=1966-062A)
4. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=1966-062A)