Discoverer 2 was a US optical reconnaissance satellite launched on April 13, 1959, at 21:18:39 GMT, serving as the second of three test flights in the Corona KH-1 spy satellite series. It was the first satellite to achieve stabilization in orbit across all three axes and to be maneuvered on command from Earth. Although it did not carry film and thus did not perform any surveillance, Discoverer 2 was notable for being the first satellite equipped with a reentry capsule and the first to return a payload from orbit. Due to a timing error, the reentry capsule landed near Spitsbergen, Norway, instead of Hawaii. A joint recovery operation between the US and Norway was organized but ultimately unsuccessful, leading to concerns that the capsule might have fallen into Soviet hands, although these claims have never been substantiated. The flight and subsequent loss of Discoverer 2 inspired the book and film
Ice Station Zebra.
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| Discoverer 2 "Goldcraft" launch cover postmarked at Lompoc on April 13, 1959. |
(Reference from
Discoverer 2)
