NEXT SPACEFLIGHT

Status

Success

KH-11 19 (Crystal 19) (USA-338) (NROL-91)

Launch Time
Sat Sep 24, 2022 22:25 UTC

Final launch of Delta IV Heavy rocket from VSFB.

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

Mission Details

KH-11 19 (Crystal 19) (USA-338) (NROL-91)

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

2022

121st orbital launch attempt

United Launch Alliance

153rd mission
6th mission of 2022
152nd successful mission
148th consecutive successful mission

Delta IV Heavy

14th mission
1st mission of 2022
13th successful mission
13th consecutive successful mission