Status
Success
KH-11 1 (Kennen 1)
Launch Time
Sun Dec 19, 1976 18:19 UTC
Sun Dec 19, 1976 18:19 UTC
Rocket
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