Status
Success
KH-11 14 (Crystal 14) (USA-186) (NROL-20)
Launch Time
Wed Oct 19, 2005 18:05 UTC
Wed Oct 19, 2005 18:05 UTC
Final flight of Titan family
Rocket
Mission Details
(USA-186) (NROL-20)
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
2005
46th orbital launch attempt
Titan IV
39th mission
2nd mission of 2005
35th successful mission
12th consecutive successful mission