KH 11 specifications

Also called Kennan

Those satellites operate on a sun-synchronous orbit (250/500 km for the first satellites, from KH 11-6 on 300/1000 km). Images are transmitted in real time via TDRS. Lifetime at least 4 years, variable. 13000 kg

The constellation consists of two satellites in separate planes, spaced by the angle through which the Earth rotates during two of their orbital periods, about 48.7 deg. Each satellite repeats its groundtrack every four days; and the east satellite follows the west satellite's groundtrack two days later.

They operate with CCDs, estimated resolution: 15 cm

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