Status
Success
KH-11 13 (Crystal 13) (USA-161) (NROL-14)
Launch Time
Fri Oct 05, 2001 21:21 UTC
Fri Oct 05, 2001 21:21 UTC
Rocket
Mission Details
KH-11 13 (Crystal 13) (USA-161) (NROL-14)
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
2001
45th orbital launch attempt
Titan IV
33rd mission
3rd mission of 2001
29th successful mission
6th consecutive successful mission