# KH-8 01
**Wikidata**: [Q105828657](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q105828657)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kh-8-01

## Summary
KH-8 01 was the first satellite in the KH-8 Gambit 3 class, a U.S. reconnaissance satellite launched on July 29, 1966, aboard a Titan IIIB rocket. It played a role in Cold War-era intelligence gathering as part of a broader series of spy satellites.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: July 29, 1966
- **COSPAR ID**: 1966-069A
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN)**: 02376
- **Class**: KH-8 Gambit 3
- **Launch Vehicle**: Titan IIIB
- **Image**: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/KH-8_GAMBIT_3_(Block_1).jpg
- **Wikipedia Coverage**: Available in Polish (1 sitelink)

## FAQs
### Q: When was KH-8 01 launched?
A: KH-8 01 was launched on July 29, 1966.

### Q: What was the purpose of KH-8 01?
A: KH-8 01 was a U.S. reconnaissance satellite designed for photographic intelligence gathering during the Cold War.

### Q: What rocket launched KH-8 01?
A: KH-8 01 was launched using a Titan IIIB rocket, a variant of the Titan III launch vehicle.

## Why It Matters
KH-8 01 represents the inaugural mission of the KH-8 Gambit 3 satellite class, a critical component of U.S. Cold War reconnaissance efforts. As part of a series of advanced spy satellites, it contributed to high-resolution imaging capabilities, enhancing national security through detailed surveillance of strategic targets. Its launch marked a technological milestone in the development of space-based intelligence systems, reflecting the strategic importance of orbital reconnaissance during the Cold War era.

## Notable For
- First satellite in the KH-8 Gambit 3 class, initiating a series of reconnaissance missions.
- Utilized the Titan IIIB launch vehicle, a specialized rocket for classified payloads.
- Part of a broader U.S. effort to conduct photographic surveillance from space during the Cold War.
- Documented in Polish Wikipedia, indicating international recognition of its historical significance.

## Body
### Launch Details
- **Date**: July 29, 1966
- **Rocket**: Titan IIIB, a modified launch vehicle for military satellites
- **Mission**: Inaugural flight of the KH-8 Gambit 3 class

### Satellite Specifications
- **Identifier**: COSPAR ID 1966-069A, SCN 02376
- **Class**: KH-8 Gambit 3, a dedicated reconnaissance satellite family
- **Visuals**: Depicted in the image "KH-8 GAMBIT 3 (Block 1).jpg" on Wikimedia Commons

### Mission Context
KH-8 01 operated as part of a clandestine program to gather photographic intelligence, supporting U.S. strategic objectives during the Cold War. Its launch underscored the integration of space-based assets into national security frameworks, leveraging advancements in rocketry and satellite technology.

### Legacy
As the first of its class, KH-8 01 paved the way for subsequent Gambit 3 missions, though specific operational details remain classified. Its documentation in historical records, including a Polish Wikipedia entry, highlights its role in the broader narrative of space exploration and military innovation.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report