Discoverer 18 (Reconnaissance Satellite) - 12/10/60 launched into Polar Orbit

Item Specifics

Condition

Unused

Stamp Format

Single

Item Description

Condition: F/VF- printed address with an open rear flap

Grade: F (Fine)
Discoverer 18 was the third of the KH-2 Corona spy satellites, which was distinguished from the predecessor KH-1 series in its incorporation of the improved C' camera, which replaced the C model carried on KH-1 missions. The improved camera had variable image motion compensation so that its carrying satellites could be flown in differing orbits. Like the C camera, the C' was manufactured by Fairfield Camera and Instruments under the supervision of Itek, a defense contractor that specialized in making cameras for spy satellite. The satellite also carried a Transit on Discoverer (TOD) payload.Discoverer 18 was launched during a massive solar flare which lasted for the first 13 hours of the 48-orbit, 3-day flight. After the 48th orbit, the recovery capsule was ejected, reentered the atmosphere, and was retrieved in mid-air near Hawaii by a C-119 aircraft at 42,672 metres (140,000 ft) altitude. The Agena B stage remained in orbit until 2 April 1961, when it reentered the atmosphere and burned up.[1]

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allcovers (247)

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12/10/2020

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Item Location

Pennsylvania, United States

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Worldwide

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No