Launch Failure
Liftoff Time (GMT)
21:20:00
Wednesday August 28, 1985
First stage propellant leak caused engine to shut down.
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.
Polar Orbit
1 Payload
13,300 kilograms
Agency
Martin MariettaRocket
Height: 50m
Payload to Orbit
LEO: 14,515 kg
GTO: 5,000 kg
Liftoff Thrust
11,279 Kilonewtons
Fairing
Diameter: 3.05m
Stages
3
Strap-ons
2
144th
Mission
2nd
Mission of 1985
78th
Orbital launch attempt