Vortex/Chalet

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Vortex, previously known as Chalet, is a class of spy satellite. Vortex is a United States Department of Defense and United States Air Force SIGINT satellite that can listen to radio transmission originating from Earth or Space. It is operated by the National Reconnaissance Office. The intercepted data is fed into and analyzed by the National Security Agency ECHELON system.

The satellites weigh approximately 1800 kg and are operated from geosynchronous orbits. Each reportedly carried a 38 meter-diameter umbrella-like reflecting dish to collect radio signals from Earth. At least six launch attempts were made of Chalet/Vortex satellites between 1978 and 1989.

The Chalet/Vortex satellites replaced the older generation of Rhyolite/Aquacade satellites, and were superseded by the larger, more capabable Magnum and Orion SIGINT satellites.

• Chalet 1, launched 10 June 1978 (OPS 9454)
• Chalet 2, launched 1 October 1979 (OPS 1948)
• Chalet 3, launched 31 October 1981 (OPS 4029)
• Vortex 4, launched 31 January 1984 (OPS 0441)
• Vortex 5, launched 2 September 1988 (USA 31)
• Vortex 6, launched 10 May 1989 (USA 37)

[edit] See also

• Magnum SIGINT satellites
• Rhyolite/Aquacade SIGINT satellites

[edit] External links

• Vortex satellite drawing
• SIGINT satellite overeview
• List of SIGINT satellites
• Various SIGINT satellites
• Other SIGINT satellites
• Vortex/Chalet history
• Launch log from Jonathan's Space Report

[edit] References

Richelson, Jeffrey T. ed. U.S. Military Uses of Space, 1945-1991 Vol 1, Guide. National Security Archive. 1991.