KH-7 Gambit Imagery
Complementing Corona and KH-6 Lanyard was a close look or 'spotting' satellite called Gambit. The first camera system for Gambit, the KH-7, gave a resolution of 18 inches and operated from July 1963 to June 1967. It was one of the most successful space reconnaissance programs in the 1960s. Its success prompted the cancellation of the troubled KH-6 Lanyard program after only three launches. Details of the satellite system are still considered classified information. At least 41 launch attempts were made for KH-7 satellites. Typical life of the system was seven days. The system also provided key cartographic information for large scale mapping in the interest of the Department of Defense.
KH-7 imagery acquired at nadir (when the camera acquires an image looking straight down) on the later KH-7 imagery missions compares favorably with the best commercial systems (Quickbird and IKONOS).
Contact Customer Service
