USA-338

USA-338
Launch of USA-338
Mission typeOptical imaging
OperatorNRO
COSPAR ID2022-117A
SATCAT no.53883
Spacecraft properties
Spacecraft typeKH-11
ManufacturerLockheed Martin
Start of mission
Launch date24 September 2022 22:25 UTC
RocketDelta IV Heavy (D-387)
Launch siteVandenberg, SLC-6
ContractorUnited Launch Alliance
Orbital parameters
Reference systemGeocentric orbit
RegimeSun-synchronous orbit

USA-338 (also known as KH-11 19 and NROL-91) is an American reconnaissance satellite which is operated by the National Reconnaissance Office. Launched in September 2022, it is the KH-11 Block 5 reconnaissance satellite.[1][2][3][4]

Overview

The satellite launched on the last Delta IV Heavy launch and last Delta rocket launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base.[5][6][7][8][9][10]

KH-11 KENNEN also known as Crystal is an electro-optical reconnaissance satellite which replaced the film-return satellites like KH-9 HEXAGON.[11] It was early though that KH-11 Block 5 satellite could be Next Generation Misty satellite.[1][12][13][14]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 "KH-11 / Kennen / Crystal". Gunter's Space Page. Retrieved 16 October 2025.
  2. ↑ "United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches National Security Mission with Nation's Proven Heavy Lift Vehicle". www.ulalaunch.com. Retrieved 16 October 2025.
  3. ↑ "Delta IV Heavy NROL-91". www.ulalaunch.com. Retrieved 16 October 2025.
  4. ↑ "KH-11 19 (Crystal 19) (USA-338) (NROL-91) | Delta IV Heavy | Next Spaceflight". nextspaceflight.com. Retrieved 17 October 2025.
  5. ↑ "> Launches > launch-nrol-91". www.nro.gov. Archived from the original on 24 June 2025. Retrieved 16 October 2025.
  6. ↑ Erwin, Sandra (24 September 2022). "NRO satellite flies to orbit in Delta 4's final West Coast launch". SpaceNews. Retrieved 16 October 2025.
  7. ↑ Graham, William (24 September 2022). "Last West Coast Delta IV Heavy launches with NROL-91". NASASpaceFlight.com. Retrieved 16 October 2025.
  8. ↑ Mike Wall (24 September 2022). "Powerful Delta IV Heavy rocket launches US spy satellite on final flight from California". Space. Retrieved 16 October 2025.
  9. ↑ "Live coverage: Delta 4-Heavy rocket launches from California – Spaceflight Now". Retrieved 16 October 2025.
  10. ↑ Sesnic, Trevor (20 September 2022). "NROL-91 | Delta IV Heavy". Everyday Astronaut. Retrieved 16 October 2025.
  11. ↑ "KH-9 Hexagon". Gunter's Space Page. Retrieved 19 October 2025.
  12. ↑ "Misty 1, 2, 3 (AFP-731)". Gunter's Space Page. Retrieved 19 October 2025.
  13. ↑ "Top Secret KH-11 Spysat Design Revealed By NRO's Twin Telescope Gift to NASA - AmericaSpace". www.americaspace.com. 6 June 2012. Retrieved 17 October 2025.
  14. ↑ "KH-11". www.astronautix.com. Retrieved 17 October 2025.
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