Jumpseat (satellite)
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Jumpseat is reportedly a code name for a class of SIGINT reconnaissance satellites operated by the National Reconnaissance Office for the United States Department of Defense. The program is classified, and much of the information in the open is speculative.
It is believed that 6 Jumpseat satellites were launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base on Titan IIIB launch vehicles with Agena D boosters between 21 March 1971 and 31 July 1983.
The Jumpseat satellites were inserted into highly elliptical Molniya orbits with an inclination of 63 degrees. These were in similar orbits to the Satellite Data System relay satellites.
[edit] Launches
- 21 March 1971 (OPS 4788) (COSPAR 1971-021A)
- 16 February 1972 (OPS 1844) (COSPAR 1972-F01)
- 21 August 1973 (OPS 7724) (COSPAR 1973-056A)
- 10 March 1975 (OPS 2439) (COSPAR 1975-017A)
- 25 February 1978 (OPS 6031) (COSPAR 1978-021A)
- 24 April 1981 (OPS 7225) (COSPAR 1981-038A)
- 31 July 1983 (OPS 7304) (COSAPR 1983-078A)
[edit] External links
- Entry at austronautix.com
- Entry at Gunther's space page
- Log of satellite launches 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.
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