Enhanced Imaging System (EIS), officially referred to as "Enhanced Imagery System", [1] [2] previously known as 8X, and sometimes unofficially known as Misty 2 and KH-13, [3] is an American reconnaissance satellite program. A derivative of the Improved Crystal satellites, [4] EIS replaced Misty, and was intended to provide more coverage and dwell time than previous reconnaissance satellites; [5] like Misty, it has stealth capabilities. [6] Only one EIS satellite has been launched; USA-144, which was placed into orbit by a Titan IVB rocket on 22 May 1999. [7] [8]
In 1995, a Los Angeles Times article reported that the 8X program was intended as "a major upgrade to the KH-12", with a mass of as much as 20 tons, which would be used for detailed imaging with a wide field of view. The cost of the program was a subject of disagreement from some within the military at the time. [9] [10] By 1998, the program had been renamed Enhanced Imaging System. [5] The Future Imagery Architecture program, which was intended to replace the Lacrosse and Improved Crystal satellites, was developed alongside EIS. [5]
Several launches with Key Hole designations, including KH-11, KH-12, and KH-13, have taken place since 1992. ... The ninth and final KH-11 satellite was launched in 1998, after which the KH-12 program, involving satellites about the ...
The advancement in the KH-series resulted in the KH-13, for which little information is yet available. ...
Enhanced Imaging System (EIS), officially referred to as "Enhanced Imagery System", [1] [2] previously known as 8X, and sometimes unofficially known as Misty 2 and KH-13, [3] is an American reconnaissance satellite program. A derivative of the Improved Crystal satellites, [4] EIS replaced Misty, and was intended to provide more coverage and dwell time than previous reconnaissance satellites; [5] like Misty, it has stealth capabilities. [6] Only one EIS satellite has been launched; USA-144, which was placed into orbit by a Titan IVB rocket on 22 May 1999. [7] [8]
In 1995, a Los Angeles Times article reported that the 8X program was intended as "a major upgrade to the KH-12", with a mass of as much as 20 tons, which would be used for detailed imaging with a wide field of view. The cost of the program was a subject of disagreement from some within the military at the time. [9] [10] By 1998, the program had been renamed Enhanced Imaging System. [5] The Future Imagery Architecture program, which was intended to replace the Lacrosse and Improved Crystal satellites, was developed alongside EIS. [5]
Several launches with Key Hole designations, including KH-11, KH-12, and KH-13, have taken place since 1992. ... The ninth and final KH-11 satellite was launched in 1998, after which the KH-12 program, involving satellites about the ...
The advancement in the KH-series resulted in the KH-13, for which little information is yet available. ...