KH-11 8 (Crystal 8, USA-27)

Launch Success

Liftoff Time (GMT)

21:32:00

Monday October 26, 1987

Mission Details

KH-11 8 (Crystal 8, USA-27)

Wiki

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

Rocket

Retired
Titan 34D

Active 1982 to 1989


Rocket

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

Launch Site

SLC-4E

Vandenberg SFB, California, USA

Fastest Turnaround

2 days 21 hours

Stats

Titan III


147th

Mission

2nd

Mission of 1987

1987


94th

Orbital launch attempt