KH-5 Argon

KH-5 Argon
ManufacturerLockheed Corporation
Country of originUnited States
OperatorNRO
ApplicationsReconnaissance
Geodetic mapping
Specifications
BusRM-81 Agena
Launch mass1,274 kg (2,809 lb)
EquipmentOptical cameras
556 x 556 km coverage
140 m resolution
RegimeLEO
Production
StatusRetired
Launched12
Retired5
Failed4
Lost3
Related spacecraft
Derived fromCORONA
A KH 5 ARGON (with Agena-B service module) main features.
A KH 5 ARGON (with Agena-D service module) main features.

KH-5 ARGON was a series of reconnaissance satellites produced by the United States from February 1961 to August 1964. The KH-5 operated similarly to the CORONA series of satellites, as it ejected a canister of photographic film. At least 12 missions were attempted, but at least 7 resulted in failure. The satellite was manufactured by Lockheed. Launches used Thor-Agena launch vehicles flying from Vandenberg Air Force Base, with the payload being integrated into the Agena.