First launch of a CORONA spy satellite. It will take several launches (13!) to achieve full success. The program is a collaboration between the government (CIA and US Air Force) and private industry, involving: Douglas (for the Thor missile), Lokheed (for the Agena orbital stage), Itek and Fairchaild (for the optical camera), Eastman Kodak (for the film), Polaroid (for the observation strategy), and General Electric (for the ablation technology for atmospheric reentry).
