Enhanced Imaging System

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]

• Corona series: KH-1, KH-2, KH-3, KH-4
• KH-5 ARGON, KH-6 LANYARD
• KH-7 and KH-8 GAMBIT
• KH-9 HEXAGON "Big Bird"
• Manned Orbital Laboratory (MOL) or KH-10
• KH-11

• John Pike (July 24, 1998). 8X Enhanced Imaging System. Federation of American Scientists. Accessed May 3, 2004 (October 17, 2001).
• US space-based reconnaissance reinforced. Jane's Defence Weekly. Accessed May 3, 2004.