Status
Success
Rocket
Mission Details
KH-11 18 (Crystal 18) (USA-314) (NROL-82)
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
Location
SLC-6, Vandenberg SFB, California, USA
Stats
2021
33rd orbital launch attempt
United Launch Alliance
143rd mission
1st mission of 2021
142nd successful mission
138th consecutive successful mission
Delta IV Heavy
13th mission
1st mission of 2021
12th successful mission
12th consecutive successful mission