KH-11 12 (Crystal 12) (USA-129) (NROL-2)

Launch Success

Liftoff Time (GMT)

18:04:00

Friday December 20, 1996

Mission Details

KH-11 12 (Crystal 12) (USA-129) (NROL-2)

Wiki

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.

Polar Orbit

1 Payload

13,300 kilograms

Rocket

Retired
Titan IV(404)A

Active 1992 to 1996

Lockheed Martin logo

Agency

Lockheed

Rocket

Height: 54m

Payload to Orbit

LEO: 17,700 kg

Liftoff Thrust

14,200 Kilonewtons

Fairing

Diameter: 5.1m

Stages

2

Strap-ons

2

Launch Site

SLC-4E

Vandenberg SFB, California, USA

Fastest Turnaround

2 days 21 hours

Stats

Titan IV


19th

Mission

4th

Mission of 1996

1996


76th

Orbital launch attempt