Discoverer 17 was the second satellite in the KH-2 Corona spy satellite series, notable for incorporating the advanced C' camera, which replaced the C model used in the KH-1 missions. This upgraded camera featured variable image motion compensation, allowing the satellites to be flown in various orbits. Alongside its reconnaissance payload, Discoverer 17 also carried a biological research payload designed to study human tissues in space. At that time, the United States did not publicly acknowledge its reconnaissance satellite programs, making this the official primary mission of the satellite. Unexpectedly high radiation levels during the flight resulted in the data from this experiment being regarded as particularly valuable by U.S. Air Force scientists.
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| Discoverer 17 launch cover with Goldcraft cachet, postmarked at Vandenberg Air Force Base, November 12, 1960. |
(Reference from
Discoverer 17)
