# KH 11-11

> former U.S. reconnaissance satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q118959571](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q118959571)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kh-11-11

## Summary
KH 11-11 was a former U.S. reconnaissance satellite launched on December 5, 1995, as part of the KH-11 KENNEN family. It was operated by the National Reconnaissance Office and launched aboard a Titan IV rocket from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East. The satellite re-entered Earth's atmosphere on November 19, 2008, marking the end of its operational life.

## Key Facts
- **Class**: Part of the KH-11 KENNEN family of American reconnaissance satellites.
- **Operator**: Operated by the National Reconnaissance Office.
- **Launch Date**: December 5, 1995, at 21:18:00 UTC.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Launched aboard a Titan IV rocket (variant K-15, 45J-3).
- **Launch Site**: Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East.
- **Manufacturer**: Lockheed Martin.
- **Orbital Decay**: Re-entered Earth's atmosphere on November 19, 2008.
- **Power Source**: Spacecraft solar array.
- **Aliases**: Includes KH 12-2, KH11-11, Keyhole 12-2, and USA-116.
- **COSPAR ID**: 1995-066A.
- **NSSDCA ID**: 1995-066A.

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of KH 11-11?
A: KH 11-11 was a reconnaissance satellite designed to gather intelligence imagery for the U.S. government. It was part of the KH-11 KENNEN series, which was known for its high-resolution imaging capabilities.

### Q: Who operated KH 11-11?
A: The satellite was operated by the National Reconnaissance Office, the U.S. government agency responsible for managing reconnaissance satellites.

### Q: When was KH 11-11 launched?
A: KH 11-11 was launched on December 5, 1995, at 21:18:00 UTC from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East aboard a Titan IV rocket.

### Q: What happened to KH 11-11 after its operational life?
A: The satellite re-entered Earth's atmosphere on November 19, 2008, marking the end of its operational life.

### Q: What was the launch vehicle used for KH 11-11?
A: The satellite was launched aboard a Titan IV rocket, specifically the K-15 variant with the 45J-3 configuration.

## Why It Matters
KH 11-11 played a crucial role in the U.S. reconnaissance satellite program, contributing to the collection of high-resolution imagery for national security purposes. As part of the KH-11 KENNEN family, it was designed to provide detailed Earth observation data, supporting intelligence gathering and strategic decision-making. The satellite's launch and subsequent re-entry highlight the evolution of reconnaissance technology and the challenges of managing long-duration space missions. Its operation underscores the importance of the National Reconnaissance Office in maintaining U.S. surveillance capabilities.

## Notable For
- **Reconnaissance Capability**: Part of the KH-11 KENNEN series, known for its advanced imaging technology.
- **Titan IV Launch**: One of the few satellites launched aboard the Titan IV rocket.
- **Long Operational Life**: Survived in orbit until 2008, demonstrating the durability of its design.
- **High-Resolution Imagery**: Contributed to the collection of detailed intelligence data.
- **National Security Role**: Played a key role in U.S. intelligence gathering and surveillance.

## Body
### Overview
KH 11-11 was a reconnaissance satellite developed and operated by the National Reconnaissance Office. It was part of the KH-11 KENNEN family, which was known for its high-resolution imaging capabilities. The satellite was launched on December 5, 1995, aboard a Titan IV rocket from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East.

### Design and Specifications
- **Manufacturer**: Lockheed Martin.
- **Power Source**: Spacecraft solar array.
- **Aliases**: Includes KH 12-2, KH11-11, Keyhole 12-2, and USA-116.
- **COSPAR ID**: 1995-066A.
- **NSSDCA ID**: 1995-066A.

### Operational Life
- **Launch Date**: December 5, 1995, at 21:18:00 UTC.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Titan IV (K-15, 45J-3).
- **Orbital Decay**: November 19, 2008.

### Significance
KH 11-11 was part of a series of reconnaissance satellites that played a critical role in U.S. intelligence gathering. Its launch and operation were part of the broader effort to maintain advanced surveillance capabilities. The satellite's re-entry in 2008 marked the end of its operational life, but its legacy continues in the evolution of reconnaissance technology.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/kh-11.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://www.n2yo.com/satellite/?s=23728)