SLDCOM 4 & NOSS-2 4A to 4C & TiPS 1a/1b (USA-119 to USA-121)

Launch Success

Liftoff Time (GMT)

21:32:00

Sunday May 12, 1996

Mission Details

SLDCOM 4 (USA-122)

Wiki

These satellites are the dispenser satellites for the NOSS-2 triplet ocean surveillance satellites. They consist of the TLD (Titan Launch Dispenser) propulsion module, the SLDCOM (Satellite Launch Dispenser Communications) UHF communication payload. After deploying the three improved Parcae (NOSS-2) payloads to a 1100 km × 1100 km, 63.4° orbit, the satellites maneuvered to a 1100 km × 9000 km, 64.3° orbit.

1 Payload

NOSS-2 4A to 4C (USA-119 to USA-121)

Wiki

The improved Parcae satellites (also known by the unofficial designation NOSS-2 (Naval Ocean Surveillance System)) is the second generation of NOSS satellites. These satellites carry ELINT equipment to pinpoint and track ships and aircraft via their radio transmissions. Positions of the origin of the transmissions are determined by triangulation. Each launch consists of three satellites of similar size in the same orbit. All three satellites maneuver to stationkeep relative to one another.

3 Payloads

TiPS 1A & 1B (USA-123 & USA-124)

The TiPS (Tethers in Space Physics Satellite) satellite is a tether physics experiment consisting of two end masses connected by a 4 km non-conducting tether.

2 Payloads

20 kilograms

Rocket

Retired
Titan IV(403)A

Active 1991 to 1997

Lockheed Martin logo

Agency

Lockheed

Rocket

Height: 54m

Payload to Orbit

LEO: 17,700 kg

Liftoff Thrust

14,200 Kilonewtons

Fairing

Diameter: 5.1m

Stages

2

Strap-ons

2

Launch Site

SLC-4E

Vandenberg SFB, California, USA

Fastest Turnaround

2 days 21 hours

Stats

Titan IV


17th

Mission

2nd

Mission of 1996

1996


30th

Orbital launch attempt