Encyclopedia entry

Raven satellite

Original archive entry. The text, images and links below are kept as they were written.

Chronology

5 events

15:55 GMT - . Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: Cape Canaveral LC41. LV Family: Titan. Launch Vehicle: Titan 401A/Centaur.

USA 103 - . Payload: Raven 1. Mass: 5,200 kg (11,400 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: NRO, USAF. Class: Surveillance. Type: Naval signals intelligence satellite. Spacecraft: Raven satellite. USAF Sat Cat: 23097 . COSPAR: 1994-026A. Apogee: 537 km (333 mi). Perigee: 518 km (321 mi). Inclination: 55.10 deg. Period: 95.20 min. Spacecraft engaged in research and exploration of the upper atmosphere or outer space (US Cat B). .

12:38 GMT - . Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: Cape Canaveral LC41. LV Family: Titan. Launch Vehicle: Titan 401A/Centaur.

USA 112 - . Payload: Raven 2. Mass: 5,200 kg (11,400 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: NRO, USAF. Class: Surveillance. Type: Naval signals intelligence satellite. Spacecraft: Raven satellite. USAF Sat Cat: 23609 . COSPAR: 1995-034A. Apogee: 39,000 km (24,000 mi). Perigee: 1,000 km (600 mi). Inclination: 64.00 deg. Period: 720.00 min.

02:05 GMT - . Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: Cape Canaveral LC41. LV Family: Titan. Launch Vehicle: Titan 401A/Centaur.

USA 136 - . Payload: Raven 3. Mass: 5,200 kg (11,400 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: NRO, USAF. Manufacturer: Kent. Class: Surveillance. Type: Naval signals intelligence satellite. Spacecraft: Raven satellite. USAF Sat Cat: 25034 . COSPAR: 1997-068A. Apogee: 39,059 km (24,270 mi). Perigee: 1,100 km (600 mi). Inclination: 63.60 deg. Period: 720.00 min.

Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC6. LV Family: Delta IV. Launch Vehicle: Delta 4M+(4,2).

USA 184 - . Payload: Raven 4 / NROL-22. Mass: 4,500 kg (9,900 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: NRO. Class: Surveillance. Type: ELINT. Spacecraft: Raven satellite. USAF Sat Cat: 29249 . COSPAR: 2006-027A. Apogee: 39,000 km (24,000 mi). Perigee: 1,100 km (600 mi). Inclination: 63.60 deg. Period: 720.00 min.
Secret payload for the National Reconnaissance Office. The intended orbit was thought to be a "Molniya" elliptical 12-hour orbit with an inclination of 63 degrees. American data relay and signals intelligence satellites have 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 (Defence Support Program), which provided early warning of missile launches. Also carried the NASA/Los Alamos TWINS-A magnetospheric research payload

10:02 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC3E. LV Family: Atlas V. Launch Vehicle: Atlas V 411.

USA 200 - . Payload: Raven 5 / NROL-28. Nation: USA. Agency: Martin. Class: Surveillance. Type: ELINT. Spacecraft: Raven satellite. USAF Sat Cat: 32706 . COSPAR: 2008-010A. Apogee: 35,780 km (22,230 mi). Perigee: 1,112 km (690 mi). Inclination: 63.60 deg. Period: 720.00 min.
Classified National Reconnaisance Office satellite placed in a Molniya orbit; orbital parameters are estimated. Believed to be the second in a new series carrying combined signals intelligence and early warning payloads. Probable sensors included the SBIRS HEO-2 infrared missile early warning package and the NASA/Los Alamos TWINS-B magnetospheric research payload.