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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]
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