NEXT SPACEFLIGHT

Status

Success

KH-11 1 (Kennen 1)

Launch Time
Sun Dec 19, 1976 18:19 UTC

Rocket

Titan IIID
Martin Marietta
Status: Retired
Liftoff Thrust: 10,587 kN
Payload to LEO: 12,300 kg
Stages: 2
Strap-ons: 2
Rocket Height: 36.0 m

Mission Details

KH-11 1 (Kennen 1)

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

1976

128th orbital launch attempt

Titan III

100th mission
9th mission of 1976
88th successful mission
15th consecutive successful mission