Thor Agena B

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Thor Agena B

Thor Agena D -

Credit: US Air Force. 16,122 bytes. 164 x 480 pixels.

Family: Delta. Country: USA. Status: Hardware. Department of Defence Designation: SLV-2. Manufacturer's Designation: DSV-2A.

Specifications

Launches: 45. Failures: 9. Success Rate: 80.00% pct. First Launch Date: 26 October 1960. Last Launch Date: 28 August 1964. Liftoff Thrust: 68,040 kgf. Total Mass: 56,507 kg. Core Diameter: 2.4 m. Total Length: 31.0 m. Flyaway Unit Cost $: 13.63 million. in 1985 unit dollars.

Stage Number: 1. 1 x Thor DM-19 Gross Mass: 49,340 kg. Empty Mass: 3,125 kg. Thrust (vac): 77,367 kgf. Isp: 282 sec. Burn time: 165 sec. Isp(sl): 248 sec. Diameter: 2.4 m. Span: 2.4 m. Length: 18.4 m. Propellants: Lox/Kerosene No Engines: 1. LR-79-7
Stage Number: 2. 1 x Agena B Gross Mass: 7,167 kg. Empty Mass: 867 kg. Thrust (vac): 7,257 kgf. Isp: 285 sec. Burn time: 240 sec. Isp(sl): 0 sec. Diameter: 1.5 m. Span: 1.5 m. Length: 7.1 m. Propellants: Nitric acid/UDMH No Engines: 1. Bell 8081

Thor Agena B Chronology

1960 Oct 26 - - 20:26 GMT. LV Configuration: Thor s/n 253 / Agena B s/n 1061. Launch Site: Vandenberg . Launch Complex: LC75-3-4. FAILURE: Agena-B failed to seperate from Thor.

Discoverer 16 Spacecraft: KH-2. Payload: KH-2 9011. Mass: 1,091 kg.
KH-1; mission failed.
SRV 506 Spacecraft: KH-2.

1960 Nov 12 - - 20:43 GMT. LV Configuration: Thor s/n 297 / Agena B s/n 1062. Launch Site: Vandenberg . Launch Complex: LC75-3-5.

Discoverer 17 Spacecraft: KH-2. Payload: KH-2 9012 / Agena B 1062. Mass: 1,091 kg.
KH-1; film capsule recovered 2.1 days later. Mission failed. Obtained orbit successfully. Film separated before any camera operation leaving only 1.7 ft of film in capsule. On December 2, the Air Force revealed that exceedingly valuable information had been obtained from human tissues carried by Discoverer 17 (the cover story for the mission). The tissues had been exposed to an unexpectedly heavy dose of radiation for more than 50 hours in flight.
SRV 507 Spacecraft: KH-2.

1960 Dec 8 - - 20:20 GMT. LV Configuration: Thor s/n 296 / Agena B s/n 1103. Launch Site: Vandenberg . Launch Complex: LC75-3-4.

Discoverer 18 Spacecraft: KH-2. Payload: KH-2 9013 / Agena B 1103. Mass: 1,240 kg.
KH-2; film capsule recovered 3.1 days later. First successful mission employing KH-2 camera system.
SRV 508 Spacecraft: KH-2.

1960 Dec 20 - - 20:32 GMT. LV Configuration: Thor s/n 258 / Agena B s/n 1101. Launch Site: Vandenberg . Launch Complex: LC75-3-5.

Discoverer 19 Spacecraft: Midas. Payload: Midas test payload. Mass: 1,060 kg.
Tested IR sensors for Midas program; did not carry camera or film capsule.

1961 Feb 17 - - 20:25 GMT. LV Configuration: Thor s/n 298 / Agena B s/n 1104. Launch Site: Vandenberg . Launch Complex: LC75-3-4.

Discoverer 20 Spacecraft: KH-5. Payload: KH-5 s/n 9014A / Agena B 1104. Mass: 1,110 kg.
KH-5; film capsule not ejected. Mission failed. Program malfunctioned and capsule did not reenter. First attempted ARGON mission. Officially: Spacecraft Engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).

1961 Feb 17 - - 20:25 GMT. LV Configuration: Thor s/n 298 / Agena B. Launch Site: Vandenberg . Launch Complex: LC75-3-4.

SRV 520 Spacecraft: KH-5.

1961 Feb 18 - - 22:58 GMT. LV Configuration: Thor s/n 261 / Agena B s/n 1102. Launch Site: Vandenberg . Launch Complex: LC75-3-5.

Discoverer 21 Spacecraft: Midas. Payload: Midas test payload. Mass: 1,110 kg.
Tested IR sensors for Midas program; did not carry camera or film capsule.

1961 Mar 30 - - 20:34 GMT. LV Configuration: Thor s/n 300 / Agena B s/n 1105. Launch Site: Vandenberg . Launch Complex: LC75-3-4. FAILURE: Second stage failed to obtain orbital velocity. Mechanical error.

Discoverer 22 Spacecraft: KH-2. Payload: KH-2 9015. Mass: 1,150 kg.
KH-2; Mission failed.
SRV 509 Spacecraft: KH-2.

1961 Apr 8 - - 19:21 GMT. LV Configuration: Thor s/n 307 / Agena B s/n 1106. Launch Site: Vandenberg . Launch Complex: LC75-3-5.

Discoverer 23 Spacecraft: KH-5. Payload: KH-5 s/n 9016A / Agena B 1106. Mass: 1,150 kg.
KH-5; film capsule boosted into higher orbit, decayed 5/23/62. Mission failed. Loss of satellite control gas caused unstable condition. No recovery. Officially: Spacecraft Engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).
Discoverer 23 Capsule Spacecraft: KH-5. Payload: KH-5 s/n 9016A Capsule SRV 521.
Mission failed. Loss of satellite control gas caused unstable condition. No recovery.

1961 Jun 8 - - 21:16 GMT. LV Configuration: Thor s/n 302 / Agena B s/n 1108. Launch Site: Vandenberg . Launch Complex: LC75-3-4. FAILURE: Electrical failure occurred in launch sequence guidance system. Agena-B failed to ignite.

Discoverer 24 Spacecraft: KH-5. Payload: KH-5 s/n 9018A. Mass: 1,150 kg.
KH-5. Mission failed.
SRV 541 Spacecraft: KH-5.

1961 Jun 16 - - 23:02 GMT. LV Configuration: Thor s/n 303 / Agena B s/n 1107. Launch Site: Vandenberg . Launch Complex: LC75-1-1.

Discoverer 25 Spacecraft: KH-2. Payload: KH-2 9017 / Agena B 1107. Mass: 1,150 kg.
KH-2; film capsule recovered 2.1 days later. Capsule recovered from water on orbit 32. Streaks throughout film.
SRV 510 Spacecraft: KH-2.

1961 Jul 8 - - 23:29 GMT. LV Configuration: Thor s/n 308 / Agena B s/n 1109. Launch Site: Vandenberg . Launch Complex: LC75-3-5.

Discoverer 26 Spacecraft: KH-2. Payload: KH-2 9019 / Agena B 1109. Mass: 1,150 kg.
KH-2; film capsule recovered 2.1 days later. Main camera malfunctioned on pass 22.
SRV 511 Spacecraft: KH-2.

1961 Jul 21 - - 22:35 GMT. LV Configuration: Thor s/n 322 / Agena B s/n 1110. Launch Site: Vandenberg . Launch Complex: LC75-3-4. FAILURE: Failure.

SRV 524 Spacecraft: KH-5.
Discoverer 27 Spacecraft: KH-5. Payload: KH-5 s/n 9020A. Mass: 1,150 kg.
KH-5; destroyed by range safety. Mission failed.
Thor Agena B - Thor Agena B - 1962
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1961 Aug 4 - - 00:01 GMT. LV Configuration: Thor s/n 309 / Agena B s/n 1111. Launch Site: Vandenberg . Launch Complex: LC75-1-1. FAILURE: Second stage control system malfunction; Satellite guidance system failed; Agena-B produced insufficient thrust. Failed to reach orbit.

Discoverer 28 Spacecraft: KH-2. Payload: KH-2 9021. Mass: 1,150 kg.
KH-2; Mission failed.
SRV 512 Spacecraft: KH-2.

1961 Aug 30 - - 20:00 GMT. LV Configuration: Thor s/n 323 / Agena B s/n 1112. Launch Site: Vandenberg . Launch Complex: LC75-3-4.

Discoverer 29 Spacecraft: KH-3. Payload: KH-3 s/n 9023 / Agena B 1112. Mass: 1,150 kg.
KH-3; film capsule recovered 2.1 days later. First use of KH-3 camera system. All frames out of focus.
SRV 554 Spacecraft: KH-3.

1961 Sep 12 - - 19:59 GMT. LV Configuration: Thor s/n 310 / Agena B s/n 1113. Launch Site: Vandenberg . Launch Complex: LC75-3-5.

Discoverer 30 Spacecraft: KH-3. Payload: KH-3 s/n 9022 / Agena B 1113. Mass: 1,150 kg.
KH-3; film capsule recovered 2.1 days later. Best mission to date. Same out-of-focus condition as in 9023.
SRV 551 Spacecraft: KH-3.

1961 Sep 17 - - 21:00 GMT. LV Configuration: Thor s/n 324 / Agena B s/n 1114. Launch Site: Vandenberg . Launch Complex: LC75-1-1.

Discoverer 31 Spacecraft: KH-3. Payload: KH-3 s/n 9024 / Agena B 1114. Mass: 1,150 kg.
KH-3; film capsule recovery failed. Mission failed. Power failure and loss of control gas on orbit 33.
SRV 552 Spacecraft: KH-3.

1961 Oct 13 - - 19:22 GMT. LV Configuration: Thor s/n 328 / Agena B s/n 1115. Launch Site: Vandenberg . Launch Complex: LC75-3-4.

Discoverer 32 Spacecraft: KH-3. Payload: KH-3 s/n 9025 / Agena B 1115. Mass: 1,150 kg.
KH-3; film capsule recovered 1.1 days later. Capsule recovered on orbit 18. 96% of film out of focus.
SRV 555 Spacecraft: KH-3.

1961 Oct 23 - - 19:23 GMT. LV Configuration: Thor s/n 329 / Agena B s/n 1116. Launch Site: Vandenberg . Launch Complex: LC75-3-5. FAILURE: Failure.

SRV 513 Spacecraft: KH-3.
Discoverer 33 Spacecraft: KH-3. Payload: KH-3 s/n 9026. Mass: 1,150 kg.
KH-3; Mission failed.

1961 Nov 5 - - 20:00 GMT. LV Configuration: Thor s/n 330 / Agena B s/n 1117. Launch Site: Vandenberg . Launch Complex: LC75-1-1.

Discoverer 34 Spacecraft: KH-3. Payload: KH-3 s/n 9027 / Agena B 1117. Mass: 1,150 kg.
KH-3; film capsule recovery not attempted. Mission failed. Improper launch angle resulted in extreme orbit.
SRV 553 Spacecraft: KH-3.

1961 Nov 15 - - 21:23 GMT. LV Configuration: Thor s/n 326 / Agena B s/n 1118. Launch Site: Vandenberg . Launch Complex: LC75-3-4.

Discoverer 35 Spacecraft: KH-3. Payload: KH-3 s/n 9028 / Agena B 1118. Mass: 2,100 kg.
KH-3; film capsule recovered 1.1 days later. All cameras operated satisfactorily. Grainy emulsion noted.
SRV 523 Spacecraft: KH-3.

1961 Dec 12 - - 20:40 GMT. LV Configuration: Thor s/n 325 / Agena B s/n 1119. Launch Site: Vandenberg . Launch Complex: LC75-3-4.

Oscar 1 Spacecraft: Oscar. Mass: 5 kg.
The first Oscar Phase I amateur satellite was launched piggyback with Discover 36. A group of enthusiasts in California formed Project OSCAR and persuaded the United States Air Force to replace ballast on the Agena upper stage with the 4.5 kg OSCAR I package. The satellite was box shaped with a single monopole antenna and battery powered. The 140 mW transmitter onboard discharged its batteries after three weeks. 570 Amateurs in 28 countries reported receiving its simple 'HI-HI' morse code signals on the VHF 2 meter band (144.983 MHz) until January 1, 1962. The speed of the HI-HI message was controlled by a temperature sensor inside the spacecraft. OSCAR I re-entered the atmosphere January 31, 1962 after 312 revolutions. Additional Details: Oscar 1.
Discoverer 36 Spacecraft: KH-3. Payload: KH-3 s/n 9029 / Agena B 1119. Mass: 1,150 kg.
KH-3; film capsule recovered 4.1 days later. Best mission to date.
Thor Agena B - Thor Agena B - COSPAR 1964-052
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SRV 525 Spacecraft: KH-3.

1962 Jan 13 - - 21:41 GMT. LV Configuration: Thor s/n 327 / Agena B s/n 1120. Launch Site: Vandenberg . Launch Complex: LC75-3-4. FAILURE: Agena-B failed. No orbit.

Discoverer 37 Spacecraft: KH-3. Payload: KH-3 s/n 9030. Mass: 1,150 kg.
KH-3. Mission failed. Last attempted flight of KH-3 series.
SRV 571 Spacecraft: KH-3.

1962 Feb 21 - - 18:44 GMT. LV Configuration: Thor s/n 332 / Agena B s/n 2301. Launch Site: Vandenberg . Launch Complex: LC75-3-5. FAILURE: Partial failure. Agena failed to restart to circularize orbit.

Discoverer 37 Spacecraft: Ferret. Payload: Ferret 1 / Agena B 2301. Mass: 1,500 kg.

1962 Feb 27 - - 19:39 GMT. LV Configuration: Thor s/n 241 / Agena B s/n 1123. Launch Site: Vandenberg . Launch Complex: LC75-3-4.

Discoverer 38 Spacecraft: KH-4. Payload: KH-4 s/n 9031 / Agena B 1123. Mass: 1,150 kg.
First mission of the KH-4 series. Much of film slightly out of focus.. Capsule recovered 4.1 days later.
SRV 581 Spacecraft: KH-4.

1962 Apr 18 - - 00:54 GMT. LV Configuration: Thor s/n 331 / Agena B s/n 1124. Launch Site: Vandenberg . Launch Complex: LC75-3-5.

Discoverer 39 Spacecraft: KH-4. Payload: KH-4 s/n 9032 / Agena B 1124. Mass: 1,150 kg.
KH-4. Best mission to date.
SRV 584 Spacecraft: KH-4.

1962 Apr 29 - - 00:30 GMT. LV Configuration: Thor s/n 333 / Agena B s/n 1125. Launch Site: Vandenberg . Launch Complex: LC75-3-4.

KH-4 9033 Spacecraft: KH-4. Payload: KH-4 s/n 9033 / Agena B 1125. Mass: 1,150 kg.
KH-4. Mission failed. Parachute ejector squibs holding parachute container cover failed to fire. No recovery.
SRV 586 Spacecraft: KH-4.

1962 May 15 - - 19:36 GMT. LV Configuration: Thor s/n 334 / Agena B s/n 1126. Launch Site: Vandenberg . Launch Complex: LC75-3-5.

KH-5 9034A Spacecraft: KH-5. Payload: KH-5 s/n 9034A/Agena B 1126. Mass: 1,150 kg.
KH-5; film capsule recovered 4.1 days later. First successful KH-5 mission. Officially: Spacecraft Engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).
SRV 582 Spacecraft: KH-5.

1962 May 30 - - 01:00 GMT. LV Configuration: Thor s/n 336 / Agena B s/n 1128. Launch Site: Vandenberg . Launch Complex: LC75-1-1.

KH-4 9035 Spacecraft: KH-4. Payload: KH-4 s/n 9035 / Agena B 1128. Mass: 1,150 kg.
KH-4; film capsule recovered 3.1 days later. Slight corona static on film.
SRV 585 Spacecraft: KH-4.

1962 Jun 2 - - 00:31 GMT. LV Configuration: Thor s/n 335 / Agena B s/n 1127. Launch Site: Vandenberg . Launch Complex: LC75-3-4.

KH-4 9036 Spacecraft: KH-4. Payload: KH-4 s/n 9036 / Agena B 1127. Mass: 1,150 kg.
KH-4. Mission failed. During air catch, chute tore loose. Capsule sank.
Oscar 2 Spacecraft: Oscar. Mass: 10 kg.
OSCAR II was launched piggyback with a United States Air Force satellite. OSCAR II was very similar to OSCAR I. Differences included (1) changing the surface thermal coatings to achieve a cooler internal spacecraft environment, (2) modifying the sensing system so the satellite temperature could be measured accurately as the batteries decayed, and (3) lowering the transmitter power output to 100 mW to extend the life of the onboard battery. OSCAR II lasted 18 days ceasing operation on June 20, 1962 and re-entered June 21, 1962.
SRV 583 Spacecraft: KH-4.

1962 Jun 18 - LV Configuration: Thor s/n 343 / Agena B s/n 2312. Launch Site: Vandenberg .

Ferret 2 Spacecraft: Ferret. Payload: Ferret 2 / Agena B 2312. Mass: 1,500 kg.

1962 Jun 18 - - 20:20 GMT. LV Configuration: Thor s/n 343 / Agena B s/n 2312. Launch Site: Vandenberg . Launch Complex: LC75-3-5.

FTV 2312 Spacecraft: Ferret. Payload: Ferret 2.

1962 Jun 23 - - 00:30 GMT. LV Configuration: Thor s/n 339 / Agena B s/n 1129. Launch Site: Vandenberg . Launch Complex: LC75-3-4.

KH-4 9037 Spacecraft: KH-4. Payload: KH-4 s/n 9037 / Agena B 1129. Mass: 1,150 kg.
KH-4. Corona static occurs on some film.
SRV 591 Spacecraft: KH-4.

1962 Jul 21 - - 00:56 GMT. LV Configuration: Thor s/n 342 / Agena B s/n 1130. Launch Site: Vandenberg . Launch Complex: LC75-3-5.

KH-4 9039 Spacecraft: KH-4. Payload: KH-4 s/n 9039 / Agena B 1130. Mass: 1,150 kg.
KH-4. Aborted after 6 photo passes. Heavy corona and radiation fog.
SRV 593 Spacecraft: KH-4.

1962 Jul 28 - - 00:30 GMT. LV Configuration: Thor s/n 347 / Agena B s/n 1131. Launch Site: Vandenberg . Launch Complex: LC75-3-4.

KH-4 9040 Spacecraft: KH-4. Payload: KH-4 s/n 9040 / Agena B 1131. Mass: 1,150 kg.
KH-4; film capsule recovered 4.1 days later. No filters on slave horizon cameras. Heavy corona and radiation fog.
SRV 594 Spacecraft: KH-4.

1962 Sep 1 - - 20:39 GMT. LV Configuration: Thor s/n 348 / Agena B s/n 1132. Launch Site: Vandenberg . Launch Complex: LC75-3-5.

KH-5 9042A Spacecraft: KH-5. Payload: KH-5 s/n 9042A/Agena B 1132. Mass: 1,150 kg.
KH-5. Mission failed. Parachute shrouds parted during air catch, capsule sank. Officially: Spacecraft Engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).
SRV 600 Spacecraft: KH-5.

1962 Sep 17 - - 23:46 GMT. LV Configuration: Thor s/n 350 / Agena B s/n 1133. Launch Site: Vandenberg . Launch Complex: LC75-3-4.

KH-4 9043 / TRS 1 (ERS 2) Spacecraft: KH-4. Payload: KH-4 s/n 9043 / TRS 1 (ERS 2) / Agena B 1133. Mass: 1,150 kg.
KH-4; film capsule recovered 1.1 days later; ERS-2 subsatellite failed to deploy. Capping shutter malfunction, slight corona and radiation fog.
SRV 597 Spacecraft: KH-4.
TRS Spacecraft: ERS. Payload: ERS 2.

1962 Sep 29 - - 06:05 GMT. LV Configuration: Thor s/n 341 / Agena B s/n 6101 (TA1). Launch Site: Vandenberg . Launch Complex: LC75-1-1.

Alouette 1 Spacecraft: Alouette. Payload: Alouette 1 / TAVE. Mass: 145 kg.
Ionospheric research. Spacecraft engaged in research and exploration of the upper atmosphere or outer space (US Cat B).

1962 Sep 29 - - 06:05 GMT. LV Configuration: Thor s/n 341 / Agena B(TA1). Launch Site: Vandenberg . Launch Complex: LC75-1-1.

TAVE Payload: TAVE.

1962 Oct 9 - - 18:35 GMT. LV Configuration: Thor s/n 352 / Agena B s/n 1134. Launch Site: Vandenberg . Launch Complex: LC75-3-4.

KH-5 9046A Spacecraft: KH-5. Payload: KH-5 s/n 9046A/Agena B 1134. Mass: 1,150 kg.
KH-5; film capsule recovered 4.1 days later. 50% of stellar terrain film was blank due to shutter malfunction. Officially: Spacecraft Engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).
SRV 603 Spacecraft: KH-5.

1962 Nov 5 - - 22:04 GMT. LV Configuration: Thor s/n 356 / Agena B s/n 1136. Launch Site: Vandenberg . Launch Complex: LC75-3-4.

KH-4 9047 Spacecraft: KH-4. Payload: KH-4 s/n 9047 / Agena B 1136. Mass: 1,150 kg.
KH-4; film capsule; film capsule recovered 4.1 days later. Camera door malfunctioned, flare degraded 15% of film.
SRV 599 Spacecraft: KH-4.

1962 Nov 24 - - 22:01 GMT. LV Configuration: Thor s/n 367 / Agena B s/n 1135. Launch Site: Vandenberg . Launch Complex: LC75-3-4.

KH-4 9048 Spacecraft: KH-4. Payload: KH-4 s/n 9048 / Agena B 1135. Mass: 1,150 kg.
KH-4. Some film exposed through base.
SRV 601 Spacecraft: KH-4.

1963 Jan 16 - - 21:59 GMT. LV Configuration: Thor s/n 363 / Agena B? s/n 2313. Launch Site: Vandenberg . Launch Complex: LC75-3-5.

OPS 0180 Spacecraft: Ferret. Payload: Ferret 3 / Agena B 2313. Mass: 1,500 kg.

1964 Jan 25 - - 13:59 GMT. LV Configuration: Thor s/n 397 / Agena B s/n 6301 (TA2). Launch Site: Vandenberg . Launch Complex: LC75-1-1.

Echo 2 Spacecraft: Echo 2. Payload: Echo C A-12. Mass: 256 kg.
Passive commsat; balloon; 1st joint US/USSR space mission. Spacecraft engaged in practical applications and uses of space technology such as weather or communication (US Cat C).

1964 Aug 28 - - 07:56 GMT. LV Configuration: Thor s/n 399 / Agena B s/n 6201 (TA3). Launch Site: Vandenberg . Launch Complex: LC75-1-1. FAILURE: Agena-B cut off too early. Partial Failure.

Nimbus 1 Spacecraft: Nimbus. Payload: Nimbus A. Mass: 376 kg.
Returned 27,000 cloud cover images. The spacecraft carried an advanced vidicon camera system for recording and storing remote cloudcover pictures, an automatic picture transmission camera for providing real-time cloud cover pictures, and a high-resolution infrared radiometer to complement the daytime TV coverage and to measure nighttime radiative temperatures of cloud tops and surface terrain. A short second-stage burn resulted in an unplanned eccentric orbit. Otherwise, the spacecraft and its experiments operated successfully until September 22, 1964. The solar paddles became locked in position, resulting in inadequate electrical power to continue operations.

Bibliography:

45 - Koelle, Heinz Hermann,, Handbook of Astronautical Engineering, McGraw-Hill,New York, 1961.

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Last update 12 March 2001.
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