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KH-11 Kennan / Crystal
Lockheed · Optical Reconnaissance Satellite / Electro-Optical Imagery Intelligence (IMINT) · USA · Cold War (1970–1991)
The KH-11 KENNEN is a type of reconnaissance satellite first launched by the American National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) in December 1976. Manufactured by Lockheed in Sunnyvale, California, the KH-11 was the first American spy satellite to use electro-optical digital imaging, and to offer real-time optical observations.
Specifications
- Category
- Space
- Sub-Category
- Satellite
- Domain
- Defence
- Era
- Cold War (1970–1991)
- Country
- USA
- Manufacturer
- Lockheed
- Co-Manufacturer
- Lockheed Martin
- Operator
- NRO / CIA
- Primary Role
- Optical Reconnaissance Satellite / Electro-Optical Imagery Intelligence (IMINT)
- Status
- In Service
- Service Entry
- 1976
- Produced
- 20
- Unit Cost (2026$)
- ~$4B+
- Launch
- Titan III-D / Titan IV / Delta IV Heavy
- MTOW (lb)
- 42000
- Endurance (hr)
- 26280
- Service Ceiling (ft)
- 3300000