NEXT SPACEFLIGHT
NEXT SPACEFLIGHT

Status

Success

KH-11 16 (Crystal 16) (USA-245) (NROL-65)

Launch Time
Wed Aug 28, 2013 18:03 UTC

Rocket

Delta IV Heavy
Image Credit: ULA
ULA
Status: Retired
Price: $350.0 million
Liftoff Thrust: 9,411 kN
Payload to LEO: 28,370 kg
Payload to GTO: 13,810 kg
Stages: 2
Strap-ons: 2
Rocket Height: 72.0 m
Fairing Diameter: 5.1 m
Fairing Height: 19.1 m
Details

Mission Details

(USA-245) (NROL-65)

The KH-11 series, known as Kennen and Crystal, are American spy satellites utilizing electro-optical digital imaging for real-time observation, supplanting earlier film-return satellites. Manufactured by Lockheed, they likely incorporate a 2.4 m prime mirror, offering a theoretical 15 cm ground resolution. First launched by the American National Reconnaissance Office in December 1976, the KH-11 KENNEN was the inaugural American spy satellite to employ electro-optical digital imaging technology, enabling real-time optical observations.

Payloads: 1
Sun-Synchronous Orbit
Wiki

Location

SLC-6, Vandenberg SFB, California, USA

Wiki

Stats

2013

45th orbital launch attempt

United Launch Alliance

74th mission
8th mission of 2013
73rd successful mission
69th consecutive successful mission

Delta IV Heavy

7th mission
1st mission of 2013
6th successful mission
6th consecutive successful mission