KH-11 1 (Kennen 1)

Launch Success

Liftoff Time (GMT)

18:19:00

Sunday December 19, 1976

Mission Details

KH-11 1 (Kennen 1)

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 IIID

Active 1971 to 1982


Rocket

Height: 36m

Payload to Orbit

LEO: 12,300 kg

Liftoff Thrust

10,587 Kilonewtons

Stages

2

Strap-ons

2

Launch Site

SLC-4E

Vandenberg SFB, California, USA

Fastest Turnaround

2 days 21 hours

Stats

Titan III


100th

Mission

9th

Mission of 1976

1976


128th

Orbital launch attempt