NEXT SPACEFLIGHT

Status

Partial Failure

Vortex 12 (USA-31)

Launch Time
Fri Sep 02, 1988 12:05 UTC

This launched used a transtage upper stage.
Satellite lifetime was reduced because transtage burn shut down early.

Rocket

Titan 34D
Martin Marietta
Status: Retired
Liftoff Thrust: 11,279 kN
Payload to LEO: 14,515 kg
Payload to GTO: 5,000 kg
Stages: 3
Strap-ons: 2
Rocket Height: 50.0 m
Fairing Diameter: 3.05 m

Mission Details

Vortex 12 (USA-31)

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.

Payloads: 1
Total Mass: 1,800.0 kg
Geostationary Transfer Orbit

Location

SLC-40, Cape Canaveral SFS, Florida, USA

Stats

1988

81st orbital launch attempt

Titan III

149th mission
1st mission of 1988