NSSDCA/COSPAR ID: 1961-011A
Discoverer 23 was a USAF photographic surveillance satellite designed to assess how rapidly the Soviet Union was producing long-range bombers and ballistic missiles, and where they were being deployed. It was part of the Corona program which was also used to produce maps and charts for the Department of Defense and other US government mapping programs.
The satellite used a film canister that was returned to earth in a capsule (a.k.a. bucket) for evaulation. These capsules were designed to be recovered by a specially equipped aircraft during parachute descent, but were also designed to float to permit recovery from the ocean. All film were black and white. Discoverer 26 ejected its film capsule in the wrong direction.
Launch Date: 1961-04-08
Launch Vehicle: Thor
Launch Site: Vandenberg AFB, United States
Mass: 1150 kg
Questions and comments about this spacecraft can be directed to: Coordinated Request and User Support Office