NEXT SPACEFLIGHT
NEXT SPACEFLIGHT

Status

Success

KH-11 15 (Crystal 15) (USA-224) (NROL-49)

Launch Time
Thu Jan 20, 2011 21:10 UTC

The first Delta Heavy launch from SLC-6.

Rocket

Delta IV Heavy
Image Credit: ULA
ULA
Status: Retired
Price: $350.0 million
Liftoff Thrust: 9,411 kN
Payload to LEO: 28,370 kg
Payload to GTO: 13,810 kg
Stages: 2
Strap-ons: 2
Rocket Height: 72.0 m
Fairing Diameter: 5.1 m
Fairing Height: 19.1 m
Details

Mission Details

KH-11 15 (Crystal 15) (USA-224) (NROL-49)

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: 19,600.0 kg
Polar Orbit
Wiki

Location

SLC-6, Vandenberg SFB, California, USA

Wiki

Stats

2011

2nd orbital launch attempt

United Launch Alliance

46th mission
1st mission of 2011
45th successful mission
41st consecutive successful mission

Delta IV Heavy

5th mission
1st mission of 2011
4th successful mission
4th consecutive successful mission