Status
Success
Rocket
Mission Details
KH-11 17 (Crystal 17) (USA-290) (NROL-71)
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
Polar Orbit
Location
SLC-6, Vandenberg SFB, California, USA
Stats
2019
5th orbital launch attempt
United Launch Alliance
132nd mission
1st mission of 2019
131st successful mission
127th consecutive successful mission
Delta IV Heavy
11th mission
1st mission of 2019
10th successful mission
10th consecutive successful mission