KH-11

Article on other languages:

• KH-11
• KH-11

	del.icio.us
	Digg
	Furl
	Reddit
	Rojo
	Add to OnlyWire

The neutrality or factuality of this article or section may be compromised by weasel words, which can allow the implication of unsourced information. You can help Wikipedia by removing weasel worded statements.

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 Lockheed37°24′36″N 122°01′44″W / 37.41, -122.029 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 0.15 meter (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.