User:LanceBarber/BigBird
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Big Bird[1] was a series of classified reconnaissance satellites built by Lockheed for the Department of Defense, and the United States Air Force. Formally known as Broad Coveage Photo Reconnaissance satellites, with a secret code of Project 467. Camera film canisters aboard Big Bird was sent back to earth in a recoverable 'film return' capsules for processing and interpreting. The first launch was in June 1971. Big Birds were also identifed as KH-8 and KH-9 satellites.[2]
[edit] Other spy satellites
[edit] Specifications
- Section source: See Bill Yenne[1]
- Launch vehicle: Titan 3D/Agena
- Total weight: 25,000 to 29,000 pounds (approx.)
- Diameter: 10 feet (approx.)
- Height: 4.5 feet (approx.)
- Oribit: elliptical, 100 miles by 150 miles
- Scanners: television, radio, and high resolution camera
[edit] Source/References
- ^ a b Yenne, Bill (1985). The Encyclopedia of US Spacecraft. Exeter Books (A Bison Book), New York. ISBN 0-671-07580-2.p.32 Big Bird
- ^ Yenne, Bill (1985). The Encyclopedia of US Spacecraft. Exeter Books (A Bison Book), New York. ISBN 0-671-07580-2.p.82 Key Hole
