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 last Delta IV Heavy launch and was the last Delta rocket launch and ending its many decades of service to US National Security and Various 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.