USA-2
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 |
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]
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]
See also
References
- ^ "Technical details for satellite USA 2". N2YO.com - Real Time Satellite Tracking and Predictions. Retrieved 17 October 2025.
- ^ a b c "KH-9 Hexagon". Gunter's Space Page. Retrieved 17 October 2025.
- ^ "KH-9 19 (Hexagon 19) (USA-2) & Farrah 2 (USA-3) | Titan 34D | Next Spaceflight". nextspaceflight.com. Retrieved 17 October 2025.
- ^ "KH-8 Gambit-3 (Block 3)". Gunter's Space Page. Retrieved 19 October 2025.
- ^ "KH-11 / Kennen / Crystal". Gunter's Space Page. Retrieved 19 October 2025.
- ^ "KH-9 HEXAGON Reconnaissance Imaging Spacecraft". www.globalsecurity.org. Retrieved 17 October 2025.
- ^ "HEXAGON KH-9 Reconnaissance Satellite". National Museum of the United States Air Force™. Archived from the original on 11 July 2025. Retrieved 17 October 2025.
- ^ "Farrah 1, 2 (P-11 4433, 4434)". Gunter's Space Page. Retrieved 17 October 2025.
- ^ "KH-9 20 (Hexagon 20) & Pearl Ruby | Titan 34D | Next Spaceflight". nextspaceflight.com. Retrieved 17 October 2025.