Status
Success
KH-11 3 (Kennen 3)
Launch Time
Thu Feb 07, 1980 21:10 UTC
Thu Feb 07, 1980 21:10 UTC
Rocket
Mission Details
KH-11 3 (Kennen 3)
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
1980
10th orbital launch attempt
Titan III
120th mission
1st mission of 1980
107th successful mission
10th consecutive successful mission