Earth Observation Satellites
CORONA
CORONA is the first operational space photo reconnaissance satellite. President Dwight David Eisenhower approved the project in Febuary 1958. The project was conceived to take pictures in space of the Soviet Bloc countries and de-orbit the photographic film for processing and exploitation. Satellite Characteristics: OBJECTIVES: - Annual and Semi-Annual Search - Priority Targets - Mapping, Charting and Geodesy PAYLOAD DATA: - Two convergent, F/3.5, 24. in FL Pan Cameras - Stellar-Terrain Camera - 2 1,500 FT x 70mm FILM - Frame Size 7.4 x 119 NM - Resolution 6-10 FT - Coverage 7 Million SQ NM/Mission - Two Recovery Vehicles ORBITAL DATA: - Inclination 60-110 DEG - Average Perigee 100 NM - Average Apogee 150 NM - Mission Life: 10 days BOOSTER: - Thorad / Agenda Additional inforamtion available at "http://www.nro.gov/corona/sysinfo2.htm" [Summary provided by the National Reconnaissance Office]