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WS-117L and CORONA

CIA

First successful space-based photographic reconnaissance program that revolutionized satellite intelligence gathering during the Cold War

  Origins and Context

The Air Force initiated Weapon System 117L (WS-117L) in October 1956 to develop America's first reconnaissance satellite system.1 This evolved into the classified CORONA program in 1958, jointly managed by the CIA and Air Force.2

  Program Structure

The program used modified Thor-Agena rockets to launch satellites carrying specialized cameras.3 After capturing images, the satellites ejected film capsules that were recovered mid-air by specially equipped aircraft.4

  Legacy

CORONA revolutionized intelligence gathering by providing unprecedented imagery of denied territories.5 The program completed 145 launches between 1959-1972, photographing over 750 million square miles of the Earth's surface.6

  References

  1. cia.gov ↩

  2. nro.gov ↩

  3. cia.gov ↩

  4. cia.gov ↩

  5. cia.gov ↩

  6. NRO - CORONA: America's Eyes in Space; CIA Museum - CORONA Parachute Bag ↩

Published on October 1, 1956

1 min read