In 2006 a secret payload for the National Reconnaissance Office was believed to have been placed in a "Molniya" elliptical 12-hour orbit with an inclination of 63 degrees. American data relay and signals intelligence satellites dubbed Jumpseat by the external observer community used this orbit in the past, notably the Jumpseat series of 1971-1983. A secondary payload was later confirmed to be the first SBIRS-HEO (Space-based Infrared System) sensor. SBIRS was the successor to the DSP (Defense Support Program), which provided early warning of missile launches.

Typical orbit: Believed 400 x 38000 km, 63.2 deg inclination. Mass: 4,500 kg (9,900 lb).

• 2006 June 25 - USA 184 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC6. Launch Vehicle: Delta IV. Mass: 4,500 kg (9,900 lb).
  Secret payload for the National Reconnaissance Office. The intended orbit was thought to be a "Molniya" elliptical 12-hour orbit with an inclination of 63 degrees. American data relay and signals intelligence satellites have used this orbit in the past, notably the Jumpseat series of 1971-1983. A secondary payload was later confirmed to be the first SBIRS-HEO (Space-based Infrared System) sensor. SBIRS was the successor to the DSP (Defence Support Program), which provided early warning of missile launches. Also carried the NASA/Los Alamos TWINS-A magnetospheric research payload

• 2008 March 13 - USA 200 - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Vehicle: Atlas V. Perigee: 1,112 km (690 mi). Apogee: 35,780 km (22,230 mi). Inclination: 63.60 deg.
  Classified National Reconnaisance Office satellite placed in a Molniya orbit; orbital parameters are estimated. Believed to be the second in a new series carrying combined signals intelligence and early warning payloads. Probable sensors included the SBIRS HEO-2 infrared missile early warning package and the NASA/Los Alamos TWINS-B magnetospheric research payload.