On August 19th 1960 the CIA recovered the first images from a Spy Satellite as part of its secret Corona program. The Corona satellite flew from 1960 to 1972, providing important intelligence on the Soviet Union and other potential adversaries. The technology of the time forced the use of photographic film which would have to be recovered using a reentry capsule and a capture aircraft.

The program was declassified in the 1990's along with all the images, however the reports made from those images continue to be secret.

Lots more about the program is available in the CIA's archives:
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