In fact, the shuttle, in particular the payload bay dimensions, was designed around a particular generation of spy satellites. Said spy satellites, the KH-11 KE

In fact, the shuttle, in particular the payload bay dimensions, was designed around a particular generation of spy satellites. Said spy satellites, the KH-11 KENNEN, were very much used as a model for the Hubble Space Telescope. A derivative on the KH-11, code named Misty, did launch on the space shuttle. A total of 11 NROL missions launched on the shuttle.