Atlas IIA
SuccessNROL-5 · Lockheed Martin
Launch time (NET)
Thursday, Jan 29, 1998, 18:37 UTC
Launch window
Thursday, Jan 29, 1998, 18:37 UTC – Thursday, Jan 29, 1998, 18:37 UTC
Provider
Lockheed Martin
Rocket
Launch pad
Launch Complex 36A, Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA · Open map
Status
Success
The launch vehicle successfully inserted its payload(s) into the target orbit(s).
Mission
NROL-5 (Quasar 12)
Type
Communications
Orbit
Elliptical Orbit (Elliptical)
Satellite Data System (SDS) spacecraft are communication relay satellites for transmitting real-time data from US reconnaissance satellites (e.g. KH-11, Onyx, Topaz) in polar areas. They are also used for communications to USAF aircraft on polar routes and connect the various ground stations of the Air Force Satellite Control Network (AFSCN). The spacecraft relay the downlinked data to a ground station at Fort Belvoir, Virginia.
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