KH-11

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A leaked KH-11 photo showing the Nikolaiev 444 shipyard in the Black Sea taken in 1984

The KH-11, also referenced by the codenames 1010^[1], Crystal and Kennan^[2], 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.

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.^[3] Data was transmitted through the United States military's Satellite Data System relay network.

The first KH-11 image was sent to the "Area 58"38°44′10″N 77°09′29″W / 38.736, -77.158 NRO facility at Fort Belvoir on January 20, 1977.^{[citation needed]}

KH-11s generally operated for 2-3 years, although it is believed that at least one, KH-11/6, was operational for 11 years.^[4] 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.

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.^[5]

Launch specifications

• Typical orbit: Elliptical, 185 miles (298 km) by 275 miles (443 km)^[1]

References

1. ^ ^{a b} Yenne, Bill (1985). The Encyclopedia of US Spacecraft. Exeter Books (A Bison Book), New York. ISBN 0-671-07580-2. p.82 Key Hole
2. ^ John Pike. "KH-11 Crystal/Kennan". Retrieved on 2007-07-27.
3. ^ Mark Wade (August 9, 2003). "KH-11". Encyclopedia Astronautica.
4. ^ Charles P. Vick (2007-04-24). "KH-11 Kennan". globalsecurity.org. Retrieved on 2007-07-27.
5. ^ Patrick Radden Keefe (February 2006). "I Spy". Wired.

• Aviation Week, Oct. 25, 2005, p. 29

External links

• John Pike (2000-09-07). program. Federation of American Scientists. Accessed 2008-02-23.
• John Pike (January 1, 1997). KH-11 product. Federation of American Scientists. Accessed April 24, 2004.
• Mark Wade (August 9, 2003). KH-11. Encyclopedia Astronautica. Accessed April 23, 2004.

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