KH-9 Satellite Bus
Data current as of 2026-07-20.
The KH-9 bus accounts for 19 cataloged objects, of which 0 are in orbit and 0 are active. 19 have reentered. Most are built by LMSC. The largest operator on this bus is National Reconnaissance Office. The first launched in 1971, the most recent in 1984.
0
In orbit
0
Active
19
Total launched
19
Reentered
KH-9 launched per year
Still in orbit Since reentered Click a year to list its satellites.
Typical specifications
Most common values across cataloged KH-9 satellites.
| Manufacturer | LMSC |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Reconnaissance, photo |
| Launch mass | 7624 kg |
| Dry mass | 6099 kg |
| Length | 15.8 m |
| Diameter | 3 m |
| Span | 15.8 m |
| Shape | Cyl + 2 Pan |
| Power | 2 deployable solar arrays, batteries |
| Propulsion | ? |
| Design life | 40 - 275 days |
| Equipment | ? |
Top operators
Top countries
US 19
KH-9 satellites
Track any of them live in KeepTrack.
| Name | NORAD | COSPAR | Owner | Launched | Orbit | Status | Track |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA 2 USA 2 | 15063 | 1984-065A | NRO/SAFSP | Jun 25, 1984 | · | Reentered | ◉ |
| OPS 0721 OPS 0721 | 14137 | 1983-060A | NRO/SAFSP | Jun 20, 1983 | · | Reentered | ◉ |
| OPS 5642 OPS 5642 | 13170 | 1982-041A | NRO/SAFSP | May 11, 1982 | 89 min, 96.2° | Reentered | ◉ |
| OPS 3123 OPS 3123 | 11850 | 1980-052A | NRO/SAFSP | Jun 18, 1980 | 88 min, 96.3° | Reentered | ◉ |
| OPS 3854 OPS 3854 | 11305 | 1979-025A | NRO/SAFSP | Mar 16, 1979 | 89 min, 96.2° | Reentered | ◉ |
| OPS 0460 OPS 0460 | 10733 | 1978-029A | NRO/SAFSP | Mar 16, 1978 | 88 min, 96.3° | Reentered | ◉ |
| OPS 4800 OPS 4800 | 10111 | 1977-056A | NRO/SAFSP | Jun 27, 1977 | 89 min, 96.9° | Reentered | ◉ |
| OPS 4699 OPS 4699 | 09006 | 1976-065A | NRO/SAFSP | Jul 8, 1976 | 89 min, 96.9° | Reentered | ◉ |
| OPS 4428 OPS 4428 | 08467 | 1975-114A | NRO/SAFSP | Dec 4, 1975 | 89 min, 96.2° | Reentered | ◉ |
| OPS 6381 OPS 6381 | 07918 | 1975-051A | NRO/SAFSP | Jun 8, 1975 | 88 min, 96.3° | Reentered | ◉ |
| OPS 7122 OPS 7122 | 07495 | 1974-085A | NRO/SAFSP | Oct 29, 1974 | 88 min, 96.5° | Reentered | ◉ |
| OPS 6245 OPS 6245 | 07242 | 1974-020A | NRO/SAFSP | Apr 10, 1974 | 88 min, 94.4° | Reentered | ◉ |
| OPS 6630 (1) OPS 6630 | 06928 | 1973-088A | NRO/SAFSP | Nov 10, 1973 | 89 min, 96.8° | Reentered | ◉ |
| OPS 8261 OPS 8261 | 06727 | 1973-046A | NRO/SAFSP | Jul 13, 1973 | 89 min, 96.2° | Reentered | ◉ |
| OPS 8410 OPS 8410 | 06382 | 1973-014A | NRO/SAFSP | Mar 9, 1973 | 88 min, 95.7° | Reentered | ◉ |
| OPS 8314 (1) OPS 8314 | 06227 | 1972-079A | NRO/SAFSP | Oct 10, 1972 | 89 min, 96.4° | Reentered | ◉ |
| OPS 7293 OPS 7293 | 06094 | 1972-052A | NRO/SAFSP | Jul 7, 1972 | 89 min, 96.8° | Reentered | ◉ |
| OPS 1737 OPS 1737 | 05769 | 1972-002A | NRO/SAFSP | Jan 20, 1972 | 89 min, 96.9° | Reentered | ◉ |
| OPS 8709 OPS 7809 | 05297 | 1971-056A | NRO/SAFSP | Jun 15, 1971 | 90 min, 96.3° | Reentered | ◉ |
Frequently asked questions
How many KH-9 satellites are there?
The catalog lists 19 objects built on the KH-9 bus. 0 are in orbit and 19 have reentered.
How many KH-9 satellites are in orbit?
0 KH-9 objects are currently in orbit, of which 0 carry an active status.
Who builds the KH-9 bus?
The KH-9 bus is most commonly built by LMSC.
When did the first KH-9 satellite launch?
The first cataloged KH-9 satellite launched in 1971, and the most recent in 1984.