The Corona satellite program was a series of reconnaissance satellites developed by the United States during the Cold War. Launched between 1960 and 1972, these satellites were designed to capture high-resolution images of the Earth's surface, primarily to monitor military activities in the Soviet Union and other regions. Using film-based technology, the Corona satellites took photographs from space and then ejected the film canisters, which were retrieved by aircraft in mid-air. This program provided valuable intelligence and significantly advanced the field of aerial reconnaissance, laying the groundwork for future satellite imaging technologies.