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

Launch Success

Liftoff Time (GMT)

18:03:00

Wednesday August 28, 2013

Watch Replay

Official Livestream

Mission Details

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(USA-245) (NROL-65)

Wiki

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.

Sun-Synchronous Orbit

1 Payload

Rocket

Retired
Delta IV Heavy

Active 2004 to 2024

United Launch Alliance logo

Agency

ULA

Price

$350.00 million

Rocket

Height: 72m

Payload to Orbit

LEO: 28,370 kg

GTO: 13,810 kg

Liftoff Thrust

9,411 Kilonewtons

Fairing

Diameter: 5.1m

Height: 19.1m

Stages

2

Strap-ons

2

Launch Site

SLC-6

Vandenberg SFB, California, USA

Fastest Turnaround

129 days 10 hours

Stats

Delta IV Heavy


7th

Mission

1st

Mission of 2013

United Launch Alliance


74th

Mission

8th

Mission of 2013

2013


45th

Orbital launch attempt