PADSpace Launch Complex 2W
SITEVandenberg SFB, CA, USA →ORBITLow Earth Orbit
TYPEGovernment/Top Secret
MISSION OVERVIEW
The KH-4 (Keyhole-4) was fourth version in the Corona-program to build an optical reconnaissance satellite. KH-4 13 carried the RM 4 radiometer payload (identical to RM 3) for background measurements for the MIDAS program.
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Thor Agena DAGENCY
United States Air ForceMISSION
KH-4 13 & RM 4
MISSION TYPE
Government/Top Secret
TARGET ORBIT
Low Earth Orbit
LAUNCH PAD
Space Launch Complex 2WLAUNCH SITE
Vandenberg SFB, CA, USACOUNTRY
USA
LAUNCH TIME VERIFICATION
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: 93ba8ce2-7814-4e1f-b5c4-2cb0f24f7954
Reported date: Sep 29, 1962 at 23:34 UTC
Last synced: 17 minutes ago
This launch date and time are confirmed by the launch provider. Countdown is active.
LAUNCH MAP
PAD WEATHER
Loading weather…
CAN YOU SEE THIS LAUNCH?
Select a location to check if this launch is visible from where you are
VEHICLE — Thor Agena D →
MANUFACTURER
McDonnell Douglas
VARIANT
Agena D
FLIGHTS
13
SUCCESSES
11
SUCCESS RATE
84.6%
Thor-Agena was a series of orbital launch vehicles. The rockets used Thor first stages and Agena second stages. They are thus cousins of the more-famous Thor-Deltas, which founded the Delta rocket family.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the Thor Agena D | KH-4 13 & RM 4 launch?
The Thor Agena D | KH-4 13 & RM 4 is scheduled for Saturday, September 29, 1962 at 11:34 PM UTC. This is the NET (No Earlier Than) time and may be subject to change. Current status: SUCCESS.
What rocket is being used for KH-4 13 & RM 4?
The Thor Agena D | KH-4 13 & RM 4 mission uses the Thor Agena D rocket, manufactured by McDonnell Douglas. The Thor Agena D has flown 13 times with a 84.6% success rate.
Where is the Thor Agena D | KH-4 13 & RM 4 launching from?
The launch takes place from Space Launch Complex 2W at Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA.
What orbit is KH-4 13 & RM 4 going to?
The KH-4 13 & RM 4 mission is targeting Low Earth Orbit.
Who is launching KH-4 13 & RM 4?
The Thor Agena D | KH-4 13 & RM 4 is operated by United States Air Force.
Can I watch the Thor Agena D | KH-4 13 & RM 4 launch live?
Yes. Visit the launch detail page on Space Launch Live for embedded YouTube webcasts, replay videos, and links to live coverage from SpaceX, NASA, NASASpaceflight, and other channels.
LAUNCH TIMELINE
Mar 28, 2026 20:12 UTC
Launch added to tracker
Imported from Launch Library 2 API
Mar 28, 2026 20:12 UTC
Launch date set: Sep 29, 1962 at 23:34 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by United States Air Force
Mar 28, 2026 20:12 UTC
Launch completed successfully
Updated via Launch Library 2
LIVE DATA SOURCES
Last data sync: 17 minutes ago
●Launch Library 217 minutes ago
Launch ID: 93ba8ce2-7814-4e1f-b5c4-2cb0f24f7954
●Open-Meteo Weather1 day ago
Pad weather at 34.76, -120.62
Mission Profile
KH-4 13 & RM 4 was a Thor Agena D mission operated by United States Air Force that lifted off from Space Launch Complex 2W, Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA on September 29, 1962. The flight carried its payload on a government/top secret mission to Low Earth Orbit. The launch was a success.