Recent Spy Satellite Launches

[dvs_dave]

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/04/15/scitech/...

"A rocket carrying a new U.S. spy satellite lit up the California night sky Thursday on a secret mission for the National Reconnaissance Office"

"Six launches in this time is the most aggressive launch schedule for the NRO in two decades"


So what do you reckon these are all for, and what are their likely capabilities? :radar:

[Eric Mc]

A mixture of things. One of these launches is the X-37 which is the second test flight of the proposed unmanned reuseable Shuttle for the Air Force.

As I said in the News Forum on this topic (PH, doubled up threads rule), the DoD is now the main operator of the US space programme, not NASA (in fact, it has had a bigger space programme for decades).

[bobthemonkey]

A lot of it isn't new as such, just replacements for older systems, with a lot of new projects reaching maturity at the same time.

[Ginetta G15 Girl]

Most Companies give you a watch when you retire - the bloody RAF takes your watch off you!

[fergywales]

Ginetta G15 Girl said:

Most Companies give you a watch when you retire - the bloody RAF takes your watch off you!

Are you lost dear?

[Tango13]

Eric Mc said:

A mixture of things. One of these launches is the X-37 which is the second test flight of the proposed unmanned reuseable Shuttle for the Air Force.

As I said in the News Forum on this topic (PH, doubled up threads rule), the DoD is now the main operator of the US space programme, not NASA (in fact, it has had a bigger space programme for decades).

I remember reading quote years back from a senior NASA engineer/manager moaning on the record about NASA having to spend money to develop technologies that he knew full well the USAF had perfected in one of their many "black" programs.

[Eric Mc]

Slightly the other way round with the X-37. NASA instiqated the programme but then had to axe it whereupon it was taken over by the USAF.