Discoverer 17 Satellite Launched

The Discoverer 17 satellite was launched into a north-south orbit from Vandenberg Air Force Base. After traveling over a million miles and making 31 passes over the Earth's poles, a capsule was released over the Pacific Ocean. Despite a missed attempt, the capsule was successfully recovered, marking the most successful test in the Discoverer program. This mission was the first to restart a satellite's rocket engine in orbit, a significant advancement in space technology. The recovered capsule contained biological specimens, including human cells, providing crucial insights for future manned space missions. This achievement represents a major milestone in America's space exploration efforts.

Where was the Discoverer 17 satellite launched from?

• Kennedy Space Center, Florida

• Edwards Air Force Base, California

• Vandenberg Air Force Base, California

• Cape Canaveral, Florida

How many passes did the Discoverer 17 make over the Earth's poles before releasing the capsule?

• 31 passes

• 15 passes

• 25 passes

• 21 passes

What was the outcome of the first attempt to capture the capsule?

• It was postponed

• It failed

• It was a partial success

• It was successful

What was significant about the Discoverer 17's test in the program?

• It was the first satellite to orbit the moon

• It was the first to restart its rocket engine in orbit

• It was the first to carry a human crew

• It was the first to land on Mars

What did the recovered capsule contain that was crucial for future space missions?

• Advanced robotics

• New propulsion technology

• Alien life forms

• Artificially grown human cells