# KH 7-34

> American reconnaissance satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q101353006](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q101353006)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kh-7-34

## Summary  
KH 7-34 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**: November 2, 1966, at 20:24 UTC from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East.  
- **COSPAR ID**: 1966-098A.  
- **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 7124).  
- **Mission Duration**: Re-entered Earth's atmosphere on November 10, 1966.  
- **Class**: Part of the KH-7 Gambit series of reconnaissance satellites.  
- **Aliases**: Also known as KH7-34, GAMBIT-1 34, Mission 4034, OPS 2070, AFP-206 SV 984, and GAMBIT SV 984.  

## FAQs  
### Q: What was the purpose of KH 7-34?  
A: KH 7-34 was a reconnaissance satellite designed to capture high-resolution photographic intelligence for the United States during the Cold War.  

### Q: How long did KH 7-34 remain in orbit?  
A: The satellite completed its mission and re-entered Earth's atmosphere on November 10, 1966, just eight days after launch.  

### Q: Who built KH 7-34?  
A: The spacecraft was manufactured by General Electric, while the photographic payload was produced by Kodak.  

## Why It Matters  
KH 7-34 was a critical asset in the U.S. intelligence-gathering efforts during the Cold War, providing high-resolution imagery of strategic locations. As part of the KH-7 Gambit series, it represented advancements in satellite reconnaissance technology, enabling more detailed surveillance than earlier systems. Its short mission duration was typical for film-return satellites, which required physical recovery of the photographic payload. The data collected by KH 7-34 and its counterparts informed military and political decision-making during a tense geopolitical era.  

## Notable For  
- **High-Resolution Imaging**: Part of the KH-7 Gambit series, known for its superior photographic capabilities.  
- **Rapid Mission Cycle**: Completed its mission and re-entered within eight days.  
- **Dual Manufacturing**: Collaboration between General Electric (spacecraft) and Kodak (payload).  

## Body  
### Launch and Mission  
- Launched on November 2, 1966, from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East.  
- Used an Atlas SLV-3 Agena-D rocket (serial number 7124).  
- Mission ended with atmospheric re-entry on November 10, 1966.  

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

### Classification and Aliases  
- Part of the KH-7 Gambit series.  
- Also designated as OPS 2070, AFP-206 SV 984, and GAMBIT SV 984.  

### Operational Context  
- Operated by the United States Air Force for reconnaissance purposes.  
- Contributed to Cold War-era intelligence gathering.

## 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=1966-098A)
4. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=1966-098A)