# KH 11-02

> former U.S. reconnaissance satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q118959564](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q118959564)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kh-11-02

## Summary
KH 11-02 is a former United States reconnaissance satellite operated by the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO). Launched in 1978, it was the second member of the KH-11 KENNEN family of satellites and served as a strategic intelligence asset until its atmospheric entry in 1981.

## Key Facts
- **Operator:** National Reconnaissance Office (NRO)
- **Manufacturer:** Lockheed Corporation
- **Launch Date:** June 14, 1978, at 18:23
- **Launch Vehicle:** Titan IIID (serial number 23D-18)
- **Launch Site:** Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East
- **Classification:** KH-11 KENNEN family of reconnaissance satellites
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 10947
- **COSPAR/NSSDCA ID:** 1978-060A
- **Orbital Decay:** August 23, 1981 (atmospheric entry)
- **Power Source:** Spacecraft solar array

## FAQs
### Q: What was the primary purpose of KH 11-02?
A: KH 11-02 was a reconnaissance satellite used by the United States for intelligence gathering. It was operated by the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) and belonged to the KH-11 KENNEN class of spacecraft.

### Q: How long was KH 11-02 in orbit?
A: The satellite was in orbit for approximately three years. It was launched on June 14, 1978, and remained active until its atmospheric entry and orbital decay on August 23, 1981.

### Q: What rocket was used to launch KH 11-02?
A: KH 11-02 was launched using a Titan IIID launch vehicle. Specifically, the mission utilized the 23D-18 model of the Titan III family, departing from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East.

## Why It Matters
KH 11-02 represents a significant component of the United States' orbital reconnaissance capabilities during the late 1970s. As part of the KH-11 KENNEN family, it was a member of a major lineage of American reconnaissance satellites designed for high-level intelligence operations. The satellite’s development and deployment involved key defense and space entities, including the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) and the Lockheed Corporation. Its successful launch via the Titan IIID vehicle and its subsequent three-year mission highlight the technical coordination required for heavy-payload reconnaissance during the Cold War era. The satellite's history, from its 1978 launch to its 1981 atmospheric entry, provides a factual record of the operational lifespan and technical specifications of early KH-11 series assets.

## Notable For
- **KH-11 Lineage:** It was the second satellite deployed in the KH-11 KENNEN family, a primary class of American reconnaissance spacecraft.
- **Solar Power:** The spacecraft was powered by a dedicated solar array to maintain its orbital operations.
- **Multiple Designations:** The entity is known by several aliases, including Keyhole 11-2, Kennen 2, and the military designation OPS 4515.
- **Strategic Launch Site:** It was launched from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East, a critical site for U.S. reconnaissance missions.

## Body

### Mission and Operation
KH 11-02, also identified as Keyhole 11-2 or Kennen 2, was a reconnaissance satellite operated by the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO). It was manufactured by the Lockheed Corporation in the United States. The satellite was an instance of the KH-11 KENNEN class, which is a recognized family of American reconnaissance satellites. During its mission, it was also designated as OPS 4515.

### Launch Details
The satellite was launched on June 14, 1978, with the launch time recorded at 18:23. The launch took place at the Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East. The launch vehicle used for this mission was a Titan IIID, specifically the 23D-18 model, which is a variant of the Titan III launch vehicle family.

### Technical Specifications
*   **Power:** The satellite was powered by a spacecraft solar array.
*   **Identification:** It is cataloged under SCN 10947 and COSPAR ID 1978-060A.
*   **Wolfram Entity Code:** Entity["Satellite", "10947"].

### Orbital History and Decay
KH 11-02 followed a standard mission profile for its class before concluding its operational life. The satellite's orbit decayed on August 23, 1981, at which point it underwent atmospheric entry. This event marked the end of its status as an active orbital entity.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/kh-11.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. Space-Track