USA-353
Launch of USA-353 | |
| Mission type | SIGINT |
|---|---|
| Operator | NRO/CIA |
| COSPAR ID | 2024-067A |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Spacecraft type | Orion |
| Manufacturer | Northrop Grumman |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | 09 April 2024 16:53 UTC |
| Rocket | Delta IV Heavy (D-389) |
| Launch site | Cape Canaveral, SLC-37B |
| Contractor | United Launch Alliance |
| Orbital parameters | |
| Reference system | Geocentric orbit |
| Regime | Geosynchronous orbit |
USA-353 (also known Orion-12 and NROL-70) is an American SIGINT reconnaissance satellite which is operated by the National Reconnaissance Office. Launched in April 2024, it is the secret Orion satellite.[1][2][3][4][5]
Overview
The satellite launched on the final Delta IV Heavy and Delta (rocket family) mission, ending the family's decades of service to US national security missions.[6][7][8][9][10][11]
Orion also known as Mentor is a SIGINT/ELINT satellite build to replace Magnum satellite[12] and the COMINT capability also made Orion a replacement for the Mercury satellite.[13] It is called that the satellite has a reflector of a diameter as big as ~100m[14][15]
Gallery
See also
References
- ^ "Orion 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12". Gunter's Space Page. Retrieved 16 October 2025.
- ^ "Orion 12 (USA-353) (NROL-70) | Delta IV Heavy | Next Spaceflight". nextspaceflight.com. Retrieved 16 October 2025.
- ^ "United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches the Penultimate Delta IV Heavy Rocket". www.ulalaunch.com. Retrieved 16 October 2025.
- ^ "Delta IV Heavy NROL-68". www.ulalaunch.com. Retrieved 16 October 2025.
- ^ "Orion 12 (USA-353) (NROL-70) | Delta IV Heavy | Next Spaceflight". nextspaceflight.com. Retrieved 17 October 2025.
- ^ "> Launches > launch-nrol-70". www.nro.gov. Archived from the original on 4 October 2025. Retrieved 16 October 2025.
- ^ Tingley, Brett (28 March 2024). "Watch United Launch Alliance launch its final Delta Heavy IV rocket today in this free livestream". Space. Retrieved 16 October 2025.
- ^ Percival, Claire (26 March 2024). "NROL-70 | Delta IV Heavy". Everyday Astronaut. Retrieved 16 October 2025.
- ^ "NROL-70 – Spaceflight Now". Retrieved 16 October 2025.
- ^ "NROL-70 - AmericaSpace". www.americaspace.com. Retrieved 16 October 2025.
- ^ Graham, William (9 April 2024). "Delta IV Heavy launches on final mission". NASASpaceFlight.com. Retrieved 16 October 2025.
- ^ "Orion 1, 2 (Magnum 1, 2)". Gunter's Space Page. Retrieved 19 October 2025.
- ^ "Mercury 14, 15, 16 ('Advanced Vortex 1, 2, 3')". Gunter's Space Page. Retrieved 18 October 2025.
- ^ "Orion 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12". Gunter's Space Page. Retrieved 16 October 2025.
- ^ "Advanced Orion". www.astronautix.com. Retrieved 17 October 2025.