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.
Overview KH-9 HEXAGON was a film-return type reconnaissance satellite which replaced the KH-8 Gambit 3 and KH-11 KENNEN the Successor of KH-9. KH-9 featured four SRV return capsule and a vastly improved camera compared to other film-based KH Satellites.
KH-9 19 also carried the SSF-D (Farrah-2 or USA-3) ELINT Satellite and STP S85-1 (HVP-III) Payload.
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.
See also List of USA satellites
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