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Jumpseat-2

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Status: Operational 2006. Gross mass: 4,500 kg (9,900 lb).

In 2006 a secret payload for the National Reconnaissance Office was believed to have been placed in a "Molniya" elliptical 12-hour orbit with an inclination of 63 degrees. American data relay and signals intelligence satellites dubbed Jumpseat by the external observer community used this orbit in the past, notably the Jumpseat series of 1971-1983. A secondary payload was later confirmed to be the first SBIRS-HEO (Space-based Infrared System) sensor. SBIRS was the successor to the DSP (Defense Support Program), which provided early warning of missile launches.