Discoverer 5 was an American optical reconnaissance satellite launched on August 13, 1959. As part of the Corona KH-1 spy satellite series, it was designed to replace the U-2 spyplane in surveilling the Sino-Soviet Bloc. Despite its ambitious goals, the mission faced significant challenges, including a camera failure and a film-return capsule that did not deorbit as planned.
Launch Details
Discoverer 5 was launched at 19:00:08 GMT from Vandenberg Air Force Base using
a Thor DM-21 Agena-A rocket. This launch marked the second of ten operational flights in the Corona KH-1 series. The satellite was cylindrical, measuring 1.5 meters in diameter and 5.85 meters in length, with a mass of approximately 3,850 kilograms after second stage separation. The launch aimed to place the satellite into orbit for its reconnaissance mission.
The satellite was equipped with a C camera, intended for photosurveillance. The camera was built by Fairchild Camera and Instrument, featuring a f/5.0 aperture and a 61-centimeter focal length, providing a ground resolution of 12.9 meters. The film was supposed to be returned from orbit by a General Electric Satellite Return Vehicle (SRV), which was equipped with a solid-fuel retro motor for deorbiting.
Mission Challenges
Despite the successful launch, Discoverer 5 encountered significant issues during its mission. The onboard camera failed within the first orbit, rendering the satellite unable to capture the intended reconnaissance images. Additionally, the film-return capsule failed to deorbit as planned, preventing the recovery of any captured data.
The mission was intended to gather intelligence on Soviet missile and bomber production, as well as to produce maps and charts for the Department of Defense. However, the failure of the camera and the SRV meant that these objectives were not met. The satellite's mission duration was only one day, with the last contact occurring on August 14, 1959.
Legacy and Impact
Discoverer 5 was part of a broader effort to advance satellite reconnaissance technology. Although the mission faced setbacks, it contributed to the development of future reconnaissance satellites. The Corona program continued to evolve, with subsequent satellites improving upon the technology and addressing the issues encountered by Discoverer 5.
The challenges faced by Discoverer 5 highlighted the complexities of early satellite missions and the need for robust systems to ensure successful data collection and retrieval. Despite its shortcomings, the mission played a role in the ongoing development of satellite reconnaissance capabilities, paving the way for more advanced systems in the years to come.
