# Magnum

> American signals intelligence satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q16086218](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q16086218)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/magnum-q16086218

## Summary
Magnum was an American signals intelligence satellite that formed part of the P-11 program. It was launched on August 3, 1965, using an Atlas SLV-3 Agena-D rocket and operated by the United States Air Force until its atmospheric entry in 1968.

## Key Facts
- Magnum was an American signals intelligence satellite launched on August 3, 1965
- It had a mass of 60 kilograms
- Magnum was part of the P-11 American small satellite SIGINT program
- The satellite was operated by the United States Air Force
- It was launched from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East using an Atlas SLV-3 Agena-D rocket
- Magnum's COSPAR ID is 1965-062B
- The satellite manufacturer was Lockheed Corporation
- It operated in a polar orbit
- Other aliases for Magnum include KH 7-21 Capsule, P-11 4403, P11 4403, Mission 7312, OPS 6761, EHH B3

## FAQs
### Q: What was Magnum's primary purpose?
A: Magnum was an American signals intelligence satellite designed to covertly collect data for intelligence and military applications as part of the P-11 program.

### Q: When was Magnum launched and by what rocket?
A: Magnum was launched on August 3, 1965, at 19:06 from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East using an Atlas SLV-3 Agena-D rocket.

### Q: How long did Magnum remain operational?
A: Magnum was operational from its launch on August 3, 1965, until it entered Earth's atmosphere on June 17, 1968.

### Q: Who manufactured the Magnum satellite?
A: The Magnum satellite was manufactured by Lockheed Corporation, with their spacecraft bus specifically applied to this project.

## Why It Matters
Magnum represented a significant advancement in American signals intelligence capabilities during the Cold War. As part of the P-11 program, this small satellite demonstrated the growing sophistication of satellite-based reconnaissance and intelligence gathering technologies. The development and deployment of Magnum reflected the United States' commitment to maintaining technological superiority in space-based surveillance systems. Its relatively compact 60-kilogram design showed progress in miniaturizing space assets while maintaining sophisticated intelligence-gathering capabilities. The success of the Magnum program helped establish precedents for future signals intelligence satellites and contributed to the broader strategic capabilities of the United States during a critical period of geopolitical tension.

## Notable For
- Part of the pioneering P-11 program, which developed small satellite SIGINT capabilities
- Operated in a polar orbit, allowing for comprehensive global coverage of signals intelligence collection
- Had a relatively compact 60-kilogram design compared to other reconnaissance satellites of the era
- Was launched using the Atlas SLV-3 Agena-D, a specialized launch system designed for small satellite missions
- Operated for nearly three years (1965-1968), demonstrating reliability for its purpose during the Cold War

## Body
### Overview
Magnum was an American signals intelligence satellite that formed part of the broader P-11 program. The satellite was designed to covertly collect signals intelligence data for military and intelligence applications. It operated during the Cold War period, a time when space-based reconnaissance capabilities were rapidly advancing.

### Technical Specifications
- Mass: 60 kilograms
- COSPAR ID: 1965-062B
- Country of origin: United States
- Orbital characteristics: Polar orbit
- Satellite classification: Reconnaissance satellite
- Signals intelligence use: Yes

### Mission Details
- Launch date: August 3, 1965
- Launch time: 19:06
- Launch location: Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East
- Launch vehicle: Atlas SLV-3 Agena-D
- Operator: United States Air Force
- Program: P-11 (American small satellite SIGINT program)

### Development and Manufacturing
- Manufacturer: Lockheed Corporation
- Applies to part: Spacecraft bus
- Design period: Mid-1960s (Cold War era)

### Operational History
- Duration: Approximately 2 years and 10 months (August 3, 1965 - June 17, 1968)
- Atmospheric reentry date: June 17, 1968

### Alternative Designations
- KH 7-21 Capsule
- P-11 4403
- P11 4403
- Mission 7312
- OPS 6761
- EHH B3

### Program Context
Magnum was part of the P-11 program, a classified American small satellite SIGINT program. This program focused on developing and deploying signals intelligence satellites that could be launched relatively quickly and covertly. The P-11 program represented an important component of United States intelligence gathering capabilities during the Cold War, complementing other reconnaissance satellite programs.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/magnum-p11.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/displayTrajectory.action?id=1965-062B)
4. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=1965-062B)