How to Catch a Falling Spy Satellite

Catch A Falling Star Part 2 -- C-119J performs aerial recovery of a de-orbited satellite. The 1st successful recovery was accomplished on 19 August 1960. Highlights from a government produced documentary on Corona, America's first reconnaissance satellite program. Corona operated from 1960 to 1972 with 145 launches. The data from Corona helped build confidence in the measures taken by our national leaders to counter the growing Soviet threat. And it was yet another example of America's pioneering achievements.