# STP S81-1

> This US Air Force photo surveillance satellite was launched from Vandenberg AFB aboard a Titan 3D rocket

**Wikidata**: [Q113129940](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q113129940)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/stp-s81-1

## Summary
STP S81-1 was a US Air Force photo surveillance satellite launched on May 11, 1982, from Vandenberg AFB aboard a Titan IIID rocket. It is part of the Keyhole (KH) series of reconnaissance satellites, designated KH 9-17.

## Key Facts
- **Instance of**: Artificial satellite
- **Launch date**: May 11, 1982
- **Launch vehicle**: Titan IIID
- **Launch site**: Vandenberg AFB
- **COSPAR ID**: 1982-041A
- **NSSDCA ID**: 1982-041A
- **SCN (NORAD Catalog Number)**: 13170
- **Aliases**: KH 9-17, S81-1, STPS81-1
- **Related class**: Titan IIID launch vehicle

## FAQs
### Q: What type of satellite was STP S81-1?
A: STP S81-1 was a US Air Force photo surveillance satellite, specifically part of the Keyhole (KH) series, designated KH 9-17.

### Q: When and where was STP S81-1 launched?
A: It was launched on May 11, 1982, from Vandenberg AFB aboard a Titan IIID rocket.

### Q: What was the launch vehicle used for STP S81-1?
A: The satellite was launched using a Titan IIID rocket.

### Q: What are the official identifiers for STP S81-1?
A: It is identified by COSPAR ID 1982-041A and NSSDCA ID 1982-041A, with a NORAD Catalog Number (SCN) of 13170.

### Q: What other names is STP S81-1 known by?
A: It is also referred to as KH 9-17, S81-1, and STPS81-1.

## Why It Matters
STP S81-1 was a critical component of the US Air Force's photo reconnaissance program, contributing to military intelligence and surveillance capabilities. As part of the Keyhole series, it played a role in gathering high-resolution imagery for national security purposes. Launched aboard a Titan IIID rocket, it demonstrated the reliability and effectiveness of this launch vehicle for deploying surveillance satellites. Its operational life and contributions to intelligence gathering highlight the importance of space-based reconnaissance in modern defense strategies.

## Notable For
- **Keyhole Series**: Part of the KH series, a long-standing US reconnaissance satellite program.
- **Titan IIID Launch**: Successfully deployed using the Titan IIID rocket, showcasing its capability for military satellite missions.
- **Photo Surveillance**: Provided high-resolution imagery for military intelligence purposes.
- **Vandenberg AFB Launch**: Launched from Vandenberg AFB, a key site for US military and intelligence satellite deployments.
- **NORAD Tracking**: Assigned NORAD Catalog Number 13170, indicating its operational status in space.

## Body
### Overview
STP S81-1, also known as KH 9-17, was a US Air Force photo surveillance satellite launched on May 11, 1982. It was part of the Keyhole (KH) series, a long-standing program of reconnaissance satellites used for military intelligence gathering.

### Launch Details
- **Launch Date**: May 11, 1982
- **Launch Site**: Vandenberg AFB
- **Launch Vehicle**: Titan IIID
- **COSPAR ID**: 1982-041A
- **NSSDCA ID**: 1982-041A

### Identification
- **NORAD Catalog Number (SCN)**: 13170
- **Aliases**: KH 9-17, S81-1, STPS81-1

### Classification
- **Instance of**: Artificial satellite
- **Related Class**: Titan IIID launch vehicle

STP S81-1's mission and operational details are classified, but its role as a surveillance satellite and its successful deployment via the Titan IIID rocket highlight its significance in the US military's space-based reconnaissance capabilities.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report