NEXT SPACEFLIGHT

Status

Success

Misty 2 (USA-144) (NROL-9)

Launch Time
Sat May 22, 1999 09:36 UTC

Rocket

Titan IV(404)B
Lockheed
Status: Retired
Liftoff Thrust: 15,000 kN
Payload to LEO: 21,680 kg
Stages: 2
Strap-ons: 2
Rocket Height: 54.0 m
Fairing Diameter: 5.1 m

Mission Details

Misty 2 (USA-144) (NROL-9)

These satellites are suspected to be stealthy electro-optical reconnaissance satellites. The program name for developing an stealth IMINT capability is reportedly "Misty".

The Misty satellites are likely derived from the KH-11 Block 3 satellites with low observable features added. The relation to the 8X or EIS program is unclear, but there might be common elements.

Location

SLC-4E, Vandenberg SFB, California, USA

Stats

1999

29th orbital launch attempt

Titan IV

28th mission
3rd mission of 1999
24th successful mission
1st consecutive successful mission