# KH 11-14

> U.S. reconnaissance satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q111497327](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q111497327)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA-186)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kh-11-14

## Summary
KH 11-14 is a U.S. reconnaissance satellite launched on October 19, 2005. It belongs to the KH-11 KENNEN family of American reconnaissance satellites and was manufactured by Lockheed Martin.

## Key Facts
- KH 11-14 is an instance of the KH-11 KENNEN class of American reconnaissance satellites
- Launch date: October 19, 2005 at 18:05 UTC
- Launched from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East
- Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin
- Launch vehicle: Titan IV (4B-26 configuration)
- Operator: National Reconnaissance Office
- Designations include: KH-11 14, Keyhole 12-5, KH11-14, Crystal 14, NROL-20, NRO Launch 20, Enhanced CRYSTAL 2108, USA-186, KH 12-5, NRO L-20
- COSPAR ID: 2005-042A
- NSSDCA ID: 2005-042A
- Country of origin: United States
- Spacecraft is powered by solar arrays

## FAQs
### Q: What is KH 11-14?
A: KH 11-14 is a U.S. reconnaissance satellite that was launched on October 19, 2005. It belongs to the KH-11 KENNEN family of satellites and was developed by Lockheed Martin for the National Reconnaissance Office.

### Q: What was the launch vehicle for KH 11-14?
A: KH 11-14 was launched using a Titan IV rocket (4B-26 configuration) from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East on October 19, 2005.

### Q: What are the alternative designations for KH 11-14?
A: KH 11-14 has several alternative designations including KH-11 14, Keyhole 12-5, KH11-14, Crystal 14, NROL-20, NRO Launch 20, Enhanced CRYSTAL 2108, USA-186, KH 12-5, and NRO L-20.

### Q: Which organization operates KH 11-14?
A: KH 11-14 is operated by the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), which is responsible for the United States' reconnaissance satellite programs.

### Q: How is KH 11-14 powered?
A: KH 11-14 is powered by spacecraft solar arrays, which convert sunlight into electrical energy to operate the satellite's systems.

## Why It Matters
KH 11-14 represents a significant advancement in U.S. reconnaissance capabilities. As a member of the KH-11 KENNEN family, this satellite likely contributes to the United States' intelligence gathering abilities, providing high-resolution imagery for national security purposes. The satellite's launch in 2005 came at a time when global tensions required advanced surveillance technologies. As part of the National Reconnaissance Office's fleet, KH 11-14 plays a critical role in maintaining U.S. advantage in space-based intelligence gathering, supporting military operations, informing diplomatic decisions, and monitoring potential security threats around the world.

## Notable For
- Being part of the KH-11 KENNEN family of American reconnaissance satellites, which are known for their high-resolution imaging capabilities
- Launch using the powerful Titan IV rocket, one of the largest unmanned rockets used by the United States
- Operating under multiple designations, including the official USA-186 designation, which is common for classified U.S. space assets
- Being manufactured by Lockheed Martin, a key defense contractor for U.S. space reconnaissance systems
- Having a COSPAR ID of 2005-042A, indicating it was one of the significant satellite launches of 2005

## Body
### Overview
KH 11-14 is a U.S. reconnaissance satellite that is an instance of the KH-11 KENNEN class. It was launched as part of the United States' national security space program, managed by the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO).

### Technical Specifications
- Instance of: KH-11 KENNEN
- Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin
- Power source: Spacecraft solar array
- Launch date: October 19, 2005, 18:05 UTC
- Launch site: Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East
- Launch vehicle: Titan IV (4B-26 configuration)
- COSPAR ID: 2005-042A
- NSSDCA ID: 2005-042A
- Country of origin: United States

### Designations and Identifiers
- KH 11-14
- KH-11 14
- Keyhole 12-5
- KH11-14
- Crystal 14
- NROL-20
- NRO Launch 20
- Enhanced CRYSTAL 2108
- USA-186
- KH 12-5
- NRO L-20

### Operational Details
- Operator: National Reconnaissance Office
- The satellite is part of the ongoing U.S. reconnaissance satellite program
- It contributes to the nation's space-based intelligence gathering capabilities
- Classified nature of the satellite means most operational details are not publicly available

### Related Entities
- KH-11 KENNEN: Family of American reconnaissance satellites
- Titan IV: Family of rockets used by the U.S. Air Force
- Lockheed Martin: Manufacturer
- National Reconnaissance Office: Operator

## References

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