Status
Success
KH-11 4 (Kennen 4)
Launch Time
Thu Sep 03, 1981 18:29 UTC
Thu Sep 03, 1981 18:29 UTC
Rocket
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