After the successful intercept of the Solwind satellite by an ASAT missile, the USAF launched two ITV (Instrumented Target Vehicle) dedicated target satellites. They consisted of a cylindrical body and an inflatable balloon, which carried impact detectors to assess the impact of the kinetic ASAT kill vehicle (MHV).

The ITV balloons were inflated by a hydrazine monopropellant / ruthenium catalyst gas generator. This was calculated to inflate, heat and maintain the Kevlar balloon at the desired infrared signature required for the ASAT homing vehicle's sensor.

Data from a variety of sensors on the external surface of the balloon were telemetered back to ground stations. The few frames of data that would be received between inflation and intercept allowed the balloon's infrared signature and the geometry of the impact by the interceptor to be determined.