KH-11 Satellite Bus
Data current as of 2026-07-20.
The KH-11 bus accounts for 6 cataloged objects, of which 1 are in orbit and 0 are active. 5 have reentered. Most are built by TRW. The largest operator on this bus is National Reconnaissance Office. The first launched in 1976, the most recent in 1984.
1
In orbit
0
Active
6
Total launched
5
Reentered
KH-11 launched per year
Still in orbit Since reentered Click a year to list its satellites.
Typical specifications
Most common values across cataloged KH-11 satellites.
| Manufacturer | TRW |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Reconnaissance, electro-optical |
| Launch mass | 8556 kg |
| Dry mass | 8556 kg |
| Length | 19 m |
| Diameter | 3 m |
| Span | 30 m |
| Shape | Cyl + 2 Pan |
| Power | Deployable solar arrays, batteries |
| Propulsion | ? |
| Equipment | ? |
| Typical orbit | 0° inclination |
Top operators
Top countries
US 6
KH-11 satellites
Track any of them live in KeepTrack.
| Name | NORAD | COSPAR | Owner | Launched | Orbit | Status | Track |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA 6 USA 6 | 15423 | 1984-122A | NRO/CIA | Dec 4, 1984 | · | Inactive | ◉ |
| OPS 9627 OPS 9627 | 13659 | 1982-111A | NRO/CIA | Nov 17, 1982 | · | Reentered | ◉ |
| OPS 3984 OPS 3984 | 12799 | 1981-085A | NRO/CIA | Sep 3, 1981 | · | Reentered | ◉ |
| OPS 2581 OPS 2581 | 11687 | 1980-010A | NRO/CIA | Feb 7, 1980 | 92 min, 96.9° | Reentered | ◉ |
| OPS 4515 OPS 4515 | 10947 | 1978-060A | NRO/CIA | Jun 14, 1978 | 90 min, 96.9° | Reentered | ◉ |
| OPS 5705 OPS 5705 | 09627 | 1976-125A | NRO/CIA | Dec 19, 1976 | 92 min, 96.9° | Reentered | ◉ |
Frequently asked questions
How many KH-11 satellites are there?
The catalog lists 6 objects built on the KH-11 bus. 1 are in orbit and 5 have reentered.
How many KH-11 satellites are in orbit?
1 KH-11 objects are currently in orbit, of which 0 carry an active status.
Who builds the KH-11 bus?
The KH-11 bus is most commonly built by TRW.
When did the first KH-11 satellite launch?
The first cataloged KH-11 satellite launched in 1976, and the most recent in 1984.