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Thor-Agena rocket is launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base
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Thor-Agena rocket is launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base
A Thor-Agena rocket is launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, on 5 February 1960 carrying Discoverer IX. Date: 1960
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Media ID 18388382
© The Royal Aeronautical Society (National Aerospace Library)/Mary Evans Picture Library
1960 California Discoverer Launched Rocket Vandenberg Aeronautics Base
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EDITORS COMMENTS
In this historic photograph, a Thor-Agena rocket roars into the sky from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California on February 5, 1960. The Thor-Agena, a two-stage liquid-propelled rocket, was a powerful vehicle used for various missions, including satellite launches. In this instance, it carried the Discoverer IX, an important reconnaissance satellite for the Corona program. The launch marked a significant moment in the history of space exploration, as Discoverer IX was the ninth successful launch of the Corona program, which aimed to gather intelligence through high-altitude imagery. The success of this mission provided valuable information for national security and scientific research. The Thor-Agena rocket was transported to Vandenberg Air Force Base by planes, as seen in the background of the photograph. Planes played a crucial role in the space program, providing essential support for the transportation and deployment of rockets and satellites. The image captures the excitement and innovation of the early space age, with the powerful Thor-Agena rocket ascending into the clear California sky. This photograph is a testament to the aeronautical achievements of the time, showcasing the collaboration between various branches of the military and the scientific community in the pursuit of space exploration. The Thor-Agena rocket's successful launch from Vandenberg Air Force Base on February 5, 1960, was a significant milestone in the history of space travel and intelligence gathering.
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