Enhanced Imaging System

The KH-13 is a potential successor to the KH-12 spy satellite. Only extremely limited information is available. It may or may not be the same project as 8X, later rechristened as EIS (Enhanced Imaging System). It is believed that a satellite launched as part of one of these programs was put into orbit in 1999.

Many people believe that the KH-13 is an enhanced version of the KH-12 that incorporates stealth technology. If it exists, it probably has a shape similar to that of the Hubble Space Telescope—a shape its predecessors are believed to have as well.

Some believe that the 8X/EIS project is different from the KH-13. One considerable difference cited is the possibility of a very large fuel tank for making significant course corrections in orbit. Some have suggested that highly eccentric Molniya orbits would be used, giving the satellite a long "dwell time" to observe areas. However, the greater distance from the Earth's surface that this requires would necessitate an improvement in optical systems. The 8X is said to be refuelable by the Space Shuttle, but it would be extremely difficult for the shuttle to match a Molniya orbit.

The 8X program was mentioned at least as far back as 1995. Cost overrunts were a consideration even then.

References

• John Pike (July 24, 1998). 8X Enhanced Imaging System. Federation of American Scientists. Accessed May 3, 2004.
• Satellites & UAVs. Accessed May 3, 2004.