34D-9: Titan rocket with last KH-9 explodes after liftoff () (F)

A Titan 34D rocket carrying the last KH-9 Hexagon reconnaissance satellite (along with a Pearl Ruby piggyback subsatellite) explodes shortly after liftoff from SLC-4E, Vandenberg Air Force Base, CA. The only ever operational KH-9 to be destroyed. This launch occurred only 80 days after the Challenger accident that temporarily put the Shuttle program to a halt. Notes: - 30 years ago marked the final successful KH-9 launch. - 30 years since this failure. video: NASA Range Safety