# KH 7-31

> American reconnaissance satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q101352985](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q101352985)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kh-7-31

Here’s the structured knowledge entry for **KH 7-31**:

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## Summary  
KH 7-31 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 days.

## Key Facts  
- **Launch Date**: August 16, 1966, at 18:30 UTC from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East.  
- **COSPAR ID**: 1966-074A (also referenced as NSSDCA ID: 1966-074A).  
- **Mass**: 2,000 kilograms.  
- **Manufacturers**: General Electric (spacecraft components) and Kodak (photographic payload).  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Atlas SLV-3 Agena-D (serial number 7121).  
- **Mission Duration**: Re-entered the atmosphere on August 24, 1966.  
- **Operator**: United States Air Force.  
- **Aliases**: KH7-31, GAMBIT-1 31, Mission 4031, OPS 1832, AFP-206 SV 981, GAMBIT SV 981.  
- **Class**: Part of the KH-7 Gambit series of reconnaissance satellites.  

## FAQs  
### Q: What was the purpose of KH 7-31?  
A: KH 7-31 was a reconnaissance satellite designed to capture high-resolution photographic intelligence for the U.S. military during the Cold War.  

### Q: How long did KH 7-31 remain in orbit?  
A: The satellite re-entered Earth's atmosphere on August 24, 1966, just eight days after launch.  

### Q: Who built KH 7-31?  
A: General Electric manufactured the spacecraft, while Kodak provided the photographic payload section.  

## Why It Matters  
KH 7-31 was a critical asset in the U.S. intelligence-gathering efforts during the Cold War, providing high-resolution imagery to monitor geopolitical threats. As part of the KH-7 Gambit series, it represented advancements in satellite reconnaissance technology, enabling more precise surveillance capabilities. Its short but impactful mission underscored the rapid deployment and retrieval of intelligence data during this era. The satellite's contributions helped shape U.S. strategic decisions and demonstrated the growing importance of space-based surveillance.  

## Notable For  
- **High-Resolution Imaging**: Part of the KH-7 Gambit series, known for its advanced photographic capabilities.  
- **Rapid Mission Cycle**: Completed its mission and re-entered within eight days of launch.  
- **Multi-Component Manufacturing**: Featured contributions from both General Electric (spacecraft) and Kodak (payload).  

## Body  
### Launch and Mission  
- Launched on **August 16, 1966**, from **Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East**.  
- Used an **Atlas SLV-3 Agena-D** rocket (serial number 7121).  
- Mission designation: **OPS 1832**.  

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

### Mission Timeline  
- **Launch**: August 16, 1966.  
- **Re-entry**: August 24, 1966 (space capsule component).  

### Classification  
- **Instance of**: KH-7 Gambit reconnaissance satellite series.  
- **Operator**: United States Air Force.  

### Alternate Names  
- Also referred to as **KH7-31**, **GAMBIT-1 31**, **Mission 4031**, and **AFP-206 SV 981**.  

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This entry adheres strictly to the provided source material and avoids 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=1966-074A)
4. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=1966-074A)