NEXT SPACEFLIGHT

Status

Success

KH-11 4 (Kennen 4)

Launch Time
Thu Sep 03, 1981 18:29 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 4 (Kennen 4)

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

1981

87th orbital launch attempt

Titan III

126th mission
4th mission of 1981
113th successful mission
16th consecutive successful mission