NEXT SPACEFLIGHT

Status

Failure

KH-11 7 (Crystal 7)

Launch Time
Wed Aug 28, 1985 21:20 UTC

First stage propellant leak caused engine to shut down.

Rocket

Titan 34D
Martin Marietta
Status: Retired
Liftoff Thrust: 11,279 kN
Payload to LEO: 14,515 kg
Payload to GTO: 5,000 kg
Stages: 3
Strap-ons: 2
Rocket Height: 50.0 m
Fairing Diameter: 3.05 m

Mission Details

KH-11 7 (Crystal 7)

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
Total Mass: 13,300.0 kg
Polar Orbit

Location

SLC-4E, Vandenberg SFB, California, USA

Stats

1985

78th orbital launch attempt

Titan III

144th mission
2nd mission of 1985
11th failed mission