NEXT SPACEFLIGHT

Status

Success

KH-11 3 (Kennen 3)

Launch Time
Thu Feb 07, 1980 21:10 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 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