Launch Success
Liftoff Time (GMT)
18:04:00
Friday December 20, 1996
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
Agency
LockheedRocket
Height: 54m
Payload to Orbit
LEO: 17,700 kg
Liftoff Thrust
14,200 Kilonewtons
Fairing
Diameter: 5.1m
Stages
2
Strap-ons
2
19th
Mission
4th
Mission of 1996
76th
Orbital launch attempt