USA-2
American reconnaissance satellite
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
USA-2 (also known as KH-9 19) was an American reconnaissance satellite which was operated by the National Reconnaissance Office. Launched in June 1984, it was the last successful KH-9 reconnaissance satellite launch.[2][3]
KH-9 HEXAGON during Integration | |
| Mission type | Film-return |
|---|---|
| Operator | USAF |
| COSPAR ID | 1984-065A |
| Mission duration | 40-275 days |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Manufacturer | Lockheed Martin |
| Launch mass | 11,400 Kg |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | 25 June 1984 |
| Rocket | Titan 34D |
| Launch site | Vandenberg, SLC-4E |
| Contractor | Martin Marietta |
| End of mission | |
| Deactivated | 18 October 1984[1] |
| Orbital parameters | |
| Reference system | Geocentric orbit |
| Regime | Sun-synchronous orbit |
Overview
KH-9 HEXAGON was a film-return type reconnaissance satellite which replaced the KH-8 Gambit 3[4] and KH-11 KENNEN[5] the Successor of KH-9.[2][6] KH-9 featured four SRV return capsule and a vastly improved camera compared to other film-based KH Satellites.[7]
KH-9 19 also carried the SSF-D (Farrah-2 or USA-3) ELINT Satellite and STP S85-1 (HVP-III) Payload.[8]
KH-9 20
KH-9 20 was the last KH-9 HEXAGON satellite to be launched. The satellite launched on 18 April 1986 but due to Titan 34D Solid rocket motor exploded at T+8 seconds due to booster segment joint failure it failed to reach orbit. KH-9 20 was also carrying Pearl Ruby Technology demonstration satellite with a host of other payloads like STP S86-1 (RADC 801), GPSPAC 3, RDBS/Lorri 2 and Onyx.[2][9]
