KH-11 14 (Crystal 14) (USA-186) (NROL-20)

Launch Success

Liftoff Time (GMT)

18:05:00

Wednesday October 19, 2005

Mission Details

Launch Notes

Final flight of Titan family

(USA-186) (NROL-20)

Wiki

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.

Polar Orbit

1 Payload

13,300 kilograms

Rocket

Retired
Titan IV(404)B

Active 1999 to 2005

Lockheed Martin logo

Agency

Lockheed

Rocket

Height: 54m

Payload to Orbit

LEO: 21,680 kg

Liftoff Thrust

15,000 Kilonewtons

Fairing

Diameter: 5.1m

Stages

2

Strap-ons

2

Launch Site

SLC-4E

Vandenberg SFB, California, USA

Fastest Turnaround

2 days 22 hours

Stats

Titan IV


39th

Mission

2nd

Mission of 2005

2005


46th

Orbital launch attempt