Samos E-6 (Satellite and Missile Observation System) was an attempt to create an medium-resolution reconnaissance satellite with film return via reentry capsule. July 18, 1962 at 20:51 UTC · Launch Successful Atlas LV-3 Agena B — United States Air Force, to Polar Orbit Space Launch Complex 3W, Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA The world's 179th orbital launch attempt, and 37th of 1962. Data: Launch Library 2, The Space Devs. Image by NASA (NASA Image and Media Guidelines) via The Space Devs.