Launch Success
Liftoff Time (GMT)
09:22:00
Saturday October 31, 1981
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Vortex, previously known as Chalet, was a class of spy satellite operated by the United States during the 1980s and 1990s to collect signals intelligence (SIGINT) from high Earth orbit. The Vortex satellites were operated by the National Reconnaissance Office for the United States Air Force and listened to radio transmissions originating from Earth or space. The intercepted data is believed to have been fed into and analyzed by the National Security Agency ECHELON system.
Geosynchronous Orbit
1 Payload
1,800 kilograms


Manufacturer
US Air ForceRocket
Height: 42m
Payload to Orbit
LEO: 13,100 kg
GTO: 3,000 kg
Liftoff Thrust
13,642 Kilonewtons
Fairing
Diameter: 3m
Stages
3
Strap-ons
2
127th
Mission
5th
Mission of 1981
109th
Orbital launch attempt