Magnum (satellite)

Magnum was a class of SIGINT spy satellites reportedly operated by the National Reconnaissance Office for the United States Central Intelligence Agency. The program remains classified, and the information that exists is speculative.

It is believed that two Magnum satellites were launched from Space Shuttle Discovery during the missions STS-51-C in 1985 and STS-33 in 1989. The satellites reportedly have a mass of 2,200–2,700 kg (4,900–6,000 lb), operating in near-geosynchronous orbits, using Inertial Upper Stages to get from the shuttle's orbit to the higher geosynchronous orbit.[1] According to Jim Slade of ABC News, the second satellite, USA-48, replaced the first, USA-8, which after more than 4 years in orbit was running out of maneuvering fuel required for keeping its station over the Indian Ocean. The mission of the two satellites was to listen in to military and diplomatic communications from the Soviet Union, China, and neighbouring countries.[2]

USA-67, launched aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis in November 1990, was initially identified as a third Magnum satellite owing to the presence of two upper stages in orbit after its deployment, suggesting that an IUS had been used to deploy it. It was later determined that the second upper stage was from the stealthy Prowler spacecraft, and that USA-67 was an SDS-2 communications satellite.[3][4]

The Magnum satellites, built by TRW, are rumored to have large (estimated 100 m (330 ft) diameter)[5][6] umbrella-like reflecting dishes to collect RF signals from Earth. The Magnum/Orion satellites replaced the older Rhyolite/Aquacade series of SIGINT satellites, and have themselves been succeeded by the Mentor/Advanced Orion satellites.

Satellites

Name COSPAR ID
SATCAT №		 Launch date
(UTC)		 Launch vehicle Launch site Longitude Remarks
USA-8 1985-010B 24 January 1985
19:50:00 		Space Shuttle Discovery
STS-51-C / IUS 		KSC LC-39A
USA-48 1989-090B 23 November 1989
00:23:00 		Space Shuttle Discovery
STS-33 / IUS 		KSC LC-39B

References

  1. ↑ Jonathan's space report No. 369 (1998-08-22)
  2. ↑ Slade, Jim (1989-11-22). "ABC News Coverage of the STS-33 Launch". ABC News.
  3. ↑ Molczan, Ted (21 January 2011). "Unknown GEO Object 2000-653A / 90007 Identified as Prowler" (PDF). Visual Satellite Observer's Home Page. Retrieved 9 April 2012.
  4. ↑ Molczan, Ted (19 February 2011). "Evaluation of the Opportunity to Launch Prowler on STS 38" (PDF). Visual Satellite Observer's Home Page. Retrieved 9 April 2012.
  5. ↑ Cassutt, Michael (2009-08-01). "Secret Space Shuttles: When you’re 200 miles up, it’s easy to hide what you’re up to". Air & Space Magazine.
  6. ↑ Spy satellites of the NSA (fr)

External links