Status
Success
KH-11 12 (Crystal 12) (USA-129) (NROL-2)
Launch Time
Fri Dec 20, 1996 18:04 UTC
Fri Dec 20, 1996 18:04 UTC
Rocket
Mission Details
KH-11 12 (Crystal 12) (USA-129) (NROL-2)
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
1996
76th orbital launch attempt
Titan IV
19th mission
4th mission of 1996
18th successful mission
12th consecutive successful mission