The KH-12 reference article from the English Wikipedia on 24-Apr-2004 (provided by Fixed Reference: snapshots of Wikipedia from wikipedia.org)

KH-12

The KH-12, also known by the codenames Ikon and Improved Crystal, was a successor to the KH-11 spy satellite and also used digital imaging. It is believed that the KH-12 improved upon the previous design by including signals intelligence capabilities, sensitivity in broader light spectrumss, and possibly with the ability to view "live" images. Data was transmitted through the Satellite Data System relay network. The satellite, with a mass of 19,600 kilograms, was manufactured by Lockheed. Ground resolution is likely 0.15 meters (6 inches) or better.

At least 3 were launched between February 1990 and December 1996. It is believed that one was released by the Space Shuttle Atlantis on STS-36, though others were launched on Titan 4 rockets.

KH-12 satellites are believed to have been the source of some imagery of Russia and China made public in 1997, as well as images of Sudan and Afghanistan made public in 1998 that were related to the response to the 1998 U.S. embassy bombings.

References

• Mark Wade (August 9, 2003). KH-12. Encyclopedia Astronautica. Accessed April 23, 2004.
• John Pike (September 9, 2000). KH-12 Improved Crystal. Federation of American Scientists. Accessed April 23, 2004.
• John Pike (August 22, 1998). KH-12 product. Federation of American Scientists. Accessed April 23, 2004.

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