|
|
|
|
KH-11
|
| |
|
| |
The KH-11, also referenced by the codenames 1010, Crystal and Kennan, also commonly known as "Key Hole", was a type of reconnaissance satellite launched by the American National Reconnaissance Office between December 1976 and 1990 and used until present.
Discussion
Ask a question about 'KH-11' Start a new discussion about 'KH-11' Answer questions from other users |
Encyclopedia
The KH-11, also referenced by the codenames 1010, Crystal and Kennan, also commonly known as "Key Hole", was a type of reconnaissance satellite launched by the American National Reconnaissance Office between December 1976 and 1990 and used until present. Manufactured by Lockheed in Sunnyvale, California, the KH-11 was the first American spy satellite to utilize electro-optical digital imaging, and create a real-time optical observation capability.
Launch History
Nine or ten KH-11 satellites were launched between 1976 and 1990 aboard Titan-3D and -34D rockets, with one launch failure. The KH-11 replaced the KH-9 film return satellite, among others, the last of which was lost in a liftoff explosion in 1986. It is believed to resemble the Hubble Space Telescope in size and shape, as the satellites were shipped in similar containers. Using a powerful 2.3-meter mirror, the theoretical ground resolution with no atmospheric degradation and 50% MTF would be roughly 15 cm (6 inches). Operational resolution would be worse due to effects of the atmosphere. Different versions of the KH-11 vary in mass from 13,000 to 13,500 kilograms. Its length is believed to be 19.5 meters, and diameter is 3 meters or less. Data was transmitted through the United States military's Satellite Data System relay network.
Replacement
It is believed that the KH-11 began to be replaced by the KH-12 around 1990.
Many observers believe that the KH-12 is really just an incremental improvement over the KH-11, so some still call later satellites KH-11s. The "Improved Crystal" nickname that the KH-12 has also comes from the idea that it is just incrementally better. The main difference is that the KH-12 might include the ability for "live" viewing of imagery. An additional capability reportedly was developed under the code name of DRAGON and adds thermal imaging, probably in the 3 to 5 micrometre mid-wavelength infrared band, though perhaps at 10 micrometres.
Los Angeles Times article reported that the KH-13 (8X program) was intended as "a major upgrade to the KH-12", in 1995.
Compromise
In 1978, a young CIA employee named William Kampiles sold the Soviets a technical manual describing the design and operation of KH-11s. Kampiles was convicted of espionage and sentenced to 40 years in prison.
Launch specifications
- Typical orbit: Elliptical, by
| Name | Launch date | ID | Alt. name | Decay date |
|---|
| KH11-1 | 19 December 1976 | | OPS-5705 | 28 January 1979 | | KH11-2 | 14 June 1978 | | OPS4515 | 23 August 1981 | | KH11-3 | 7 February 1980 | | OPS-2581 | 30 October 1982 | | KH11-4 | 3 September 1981 | | OPS-3984 | 23 November 1984 | | KH11-5 | 17 November 1982 | | OPS-9627 | 13 August 1985 | | KH11-6 | 4 December 1984 | | USA-6 | still in orbit as of March 2007 | | KH11-7 | 28 August 1985 | 1985-F02 | USA | failed to reach orbit | | KH11-8 | 26 October 1987 | | USA-27 | still in orbit as of March 2007 | | KH11-9 | 6 November 1988 | | USA-33 | still in orbit as of March 2007 | | KH11-10 | 1 Mar 1990
(deployed from STS-36) | | USA-53 | ? (usually identified as MISTY) | |
External links
- John Pike (2000-09-07). . Federation of American Scientists. Accessed 2008-02-23.
- John Pike (January 1, 1997). . Federation of American Scientists. Accessed April 24, 2004.
- Mark Wade (August 9, 2003). . Encyclopedia Astronautica. Accessed April 23, 2004.
|
| |
|
|
