Name: KH-8 13 — Titan IIIB
Start: 1968-04-17T17:00:00Z
End: 1968-04-17T17:00:00Z
Location: Space Launch Complex 4W

Question 1

What rocket is launching KH-8 13?

Accepted Answer

KH-8 13 is launching on the Titan IIIB.

Question 2

Who is launching KH-8 13?

Accepted Answer

KH-8 13 is being launched by United States Air Force, a government launch provider founded in 1947.

Question 3

Where is KH-8 13 launching from?

Accepted Answer

KH-8 13 is launching from Space Launch Complex 4W at Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA.

Question 4

What orbit is KH-8 13 heading to?

Accepted Answer

KH-8 13 is heading to Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

Question 5

Is the Titan IIIB reusable?

Accepted Answer

No — the Titan IIIB is an expendable launch vehicle.

Question 6

How many times has the Titan IIIB flown?

Accepted Answer

The Titan IIIB has launched 22 times to date, with 21 successful flights.

Question 7

What is the KH-8 13 mission?

Accepted Answer

KH-8 or Gambit-3 was the second generation of Gambit high resolution reconnaissance satellites.

Question 8

Where is Vandenberg Space Force Base?

Accepted Answer

Vandenberg Space Force Base is on the central California coast near Lompoc, run by Space Launch Delta 30. It is the United States' main West Coast launch site and flew its first orbital launch in 1959.

Question 9

Which rockets launch from Vandenberg?

Accepted Answer

SpaceX flies Falcon 9 from Space Launch Complex 4E and lands boosters at the adjacent Landing Zone 4. The base hosts a range of other government and commercial launches as well.

Question 10

Why do rockets launch from Vandenberg instead of Florida?

Accepted Answer

Vandenberg's coastline lets rockets fly south over the open Pacific without crossing populated land — ideal for the polar and sun-synchronous orbits used by Earth-observation, reconnaissance and weather satellites. Florida sites favour easterly, equatorial orbits.

Question 11

Can you watch a launch from Vandenberg?

Accepted Answer

Vandenberg is an active military base with no on-base public viewing, so launches are watched from the surrounding towns and coast. The City of Lompoc, about 9 miles away, publishes a map of public viewing corridors.

KH-8 13

Overview

Mission details

Launch Window

Space Launch Complex 4W

Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA

Frequently asked questions