Corona

1959 (first)Film capsulesReconnaissance

LocationSpace (LEO)

Year1959 (first)

SizeFilm capsules

TypeReconnaissance

About Corona

The first American photo reconnaissance satellites. Dropped exposed film back to Earth in capsules snatched in mid-air by aircraft. The first successful recovery from orbit came in August 1960. Flew until 1972 and photographed much of the Soviet Union. Declassified in 1995.

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