Launch Success
Liftoff Time (GMT)
18:19:00
Sunday December 19, 1976
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: 36m
Payload to Orbit
LEO: 12,300 kg
Liftoff Thrust
10,587 Kilonewtons
Stages
2
Strap-ons
2
100th
Mission
9th
Mission of 1976
128th
Orbital launch attempt