The KH-11 KENNEN [1] [2] [3] [4] (later renamed CRYSTAL, [5] then Evolved Enhanced CRYSTAL System, and codenamed 1010 [6]: 82 and Key Hole [6]: 82 ) is a type of reconnaissance satellite first launched by the American National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) in December 1976.

Jan 14, 2023 · The KH-11 (Keyhole-11) series of reconnaissance satellites, also known by their Byeman code names Kennen (the often reported "Kennan" is a misspelling) and Crystal (since 1982), are the first American spy satellites to utilize electro-optical digital imaging, and provide a real-time optical observation capability.

USA-224, also known as NROL-49, is an American reconnaissance satellite. Launched in 2011 to replace the decade-old USA-161 satellite, it is the fifteenth KH-11 optical imaging satellite to reach orbit. After the Boeing -led Future Imagery Architecture program failed in 2005, the National Reconnaissance Office ordered two more KH-11s.

Sep 6, 2019 · As with the secretive X-37B spaceplane program —and most other military programs for that matter—very little is known about the KH-11 series of reconnaissance satellites. There have been 17...

Apr 24, 2007 · The (Keyhole) KH-11, KENNAN class imaging reconnaissance spacecraft was launched nine times with one launch loss on the Titan-3D and Titan-34D boosters.

The KH-11 KENNEN satellite is designed to capture high-resolution optical imagery of targets on the Earth’s surface. Its construction involves advanced optics, imaging sensors, and stabilization systems to ensure precise and detailed imagery acquisition.

On August 30, the US president released a remarkably detailed photograph of an Iranian rocket launch site. Very quickly, satellite spotters identified the American satellite that took it and numerous internet posts and news articles identified it as a “KH-11” satellite.

Manufactured by Lockheed in Sunnyvale, California, the KH-11 was the first American spy satellite to use electro-optical digital imaging, and create a real-time optical observation capability. [9] Conceptual drawing based upon Hubble Space Telescope (HST) layout with internal views.

First electro-optical digital transmission imaging reconnaissance satellite. Ground resolution 0.15 m with a 2.3 m diameter mirror. Believed to be similar to Hubble Space Telescope (they used same shipping container and specially-modified aircraft). Data transmitted via SDS military relay satellites. More at: KH-11.

The KH-11 KENNEN (later renamed CRYSTAL, then Evolved Enhanced CRYSTAL System, and codenamed 1010: 82 and Key Hole: 82 ) is a type of reconnaissance satellite first launched by the American National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) in December 1976.