1 Images

To view items in this collection, use the Online Finding Aid

The United States' first photographic reconnaissance satellites were designed, launched, and operated as the Corona program by the Central Intelligence Agency's Directorate of Science and Technology, and by the US Air Force. Operating between 1959 and 1972, Corona KH (Keyhole) series satellites provided worldwide photographic coverage, surveying ballistic missile development and nuclear sites of the Soviet Union and the People's Republic of China. This collection consists of fifteen 20 x 24 inch photographic prints used in a National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) conference or press event in 1995, the year that the Corona program was declassified, 35 years after the first successful mission.

Identifier

NASM.2013.0029

Creator

United States. Air Force

Date

bulk 1995
bulk 1961-1970

Provenance

National Reconnaissance Office, Transferred from the Space History Department, 2013

Extent

0.13 Cubic feet (2 folders, 15 photographs, 20 x 24 inches)

Archival Repository

National Air and Space Museum Archives

Scope and Contents

This collection consists of fifteen 20 x 24 inch color photographic prints (predominantly reproducing black and white aerial photography) which were used in a National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) conference or press event in 1995, the year that the Corona program was declassified, 35 years after the first successful mission.

Arrangement note

Materials are presented in original order received.

Rights

Material is subject to Smithsonian Terms of Use. Should you wish to use NASM material in any medium, please submit an Application for Permission to Reproduce NASM Material, available at Permissions Requests

Restrictions

No restrictions on access.

Citation

Corona Program Exhibit Posters Collection, Acc. NASM.2013.0029, National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution.

Topics

Artificial satellites
KH-4 (Corona) Reconnaissance Satellite
Photographic reconnaissance systems
Cold War

Type

Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Aerial photographs
Photographs