Titan 4
Titan 401
Media Gallery
Orbital launch vehicle. Year: 1989. Family: Titan. Country: USA. Status: Out of production.

Developed to handle military payloads designed for launch on Shuttle from Vandenberg before the USAF pulled out of the Shuttle program after the Challenger disaster. Further stretch of core from Titan 34, 7-segment solid rocket motors (developed for MOL but not used until 25 years later). Enlarged Centaur G used as upper stage (variant of stage designed for Shuttle but prohibited for flight safety reasons after Challenger). Completely revised electronics. All the changes resulted in major increase in cost of launch vehicle and launch operations.

Manufacturer: Martin. Launches: 22. Failures: 2. Success Rate: 90.91%. First Launch Date: 1989-06-14. Last Launch Date: 1998-08-12. Launch data is: continuing. LEO Payload: 17,700 kg (39,000 lb). to: 185 km Orbit. Payload: 6,350 kg (13,990 lb). to a: Geosynchronous transfer trajectory. Associated Spacecraft: Advanced Orion, DSP Block 14, Improved CRYSTAL, KH-12, Lacrosse, Mercury ELINT, Milstar, NOSS, NOSS-2, NOSS-2 subsatellite, NOSS-Subsat, SDS-2, TIPS, Trumpet. Liftoff Thrust: 12,821.000 kN (2,882,275 lbf). Total Mass: 886,420 kg (1,954,220 lb). Core Diameter: 4.33 m (14.20 ft). Total Length: 51.00 m (167.00 ft). Launch Price $: 400.000 million. in: 1997 price dollars. Flyaway Unit Cost $: 89.360 million. in: 1985 unit dollars. Cost comments: Titan IV development contract was $ 15.8 billion, including 40 launch vehicles and 39 launches.

Model: Titan 401A/Centaur. Family: Titan. Country: USA. Manufacturer's Designation: Titan 45E.

Version of Titan 4 with Centaur T upper stage.

Apogee: 40,000 km (24,000 mi). Liftoff Thrust: 14,200.000 kN (3,192,200 lbf). Total Mass: 868,000 kg (1,913,000 lb). Core Diameter: 3.05 m (10.00 ft). Total Length: 63.10 m (207.00 ft).

Model: Titan 402A/IUS. Family: Titan. Country: USA. Manufacturer's Designation: Titan 45D.

Version of Titan 4 with IUS upper stages.

Apogee: 40,000 km (24,000 mi). Liftoff Thrust: 14,200.000 kN (3,192,200 lbf). Total Mass: 910,000 kg (2,000,000 lb). Core Diameter: 3.05 m (10.00 ft). Total Length: 54.00 m (177.00 ft).

Model: Titan 403A. Family: Titan. Country: USA. Manufacturer's Designation: Titan 45F.

Version of Titan 4 with no upper stage, configured for launch of lower-mass, higher-orbit Lacrosse, SDS and NOSS-2 payloads from Vandenberg.

LEO Payload: 17,700 kg (39,000 lb). Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). Liftoff Thrust: 14,200.000 kN (3,192,200 lbf). Total Mass: 906,000 kg (1,997,000 lb). Core Diameter: 3.05 m (10.00 ft). Total Length: 54.00 m (177.00 ft).

Model: Titan 404A. Family: Titan. Country: USA. Manufacturer's Designation: Titan 45J.

Version of Titan 4 with no upper stage, configured for launch of heavy-weight, low altitude KH-12 and Improved CRYSTAL payloads from Vandenberg.

LEO Payload: 17,700 kg (39,000 lb). Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). Liftoff Thrust: 14,200.000 kN (3,192,200 lbf). Total Mass: 906,000 kg (1,997,000 lb). Core Diameter: 3.05 m (10.00 ft). Total Length: 54.00 m (177.00 ft).

Model: Titan 405A. Family: Titan. Country: USA. Manufacturer's Designation: Titan 45H.

Version of Titan 4 with no upper stage, configured for launch of lower-mass, higher-orbit SDS and NOSS-2 payloads from Cape Canaveral.

LEO Payload: 17,700 kg (39,000 lb). Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). Liftoff Thrust: 14,200.000 kN (3,192,200 lbf). Total Mass: 906,000 kg (1,997,000 lb). Core Diameter: 3.05 m (10.00 ft). Total Length: 54.00 m (177.00 ft).

Stage Data - Titan 4
  • Stage Number: 0. 2 x Stage: Titan UA1207 . Gross Mass: 319,330 kg (704,000 lb). Empty Mass: 51,230 kg (112,940 lb). Thrust (vac): 7,116.999 kN (1,599,965 lbf). Isp: 272 sec. Burn time: 120 sec. Isp(sl): 245 sec. Diameter: 3.05 m (10.00 ft). Span: 3.05 m (10.00 ft). Length: 34.14 m (112.00 ft). Propellants: Solid. No Engines: 1. Engine: UA1207.
  • Stage Number: 1. 1 x Stage: Titan 4-1. Gross Mass: 163,000 kg (359,000 lb). Empty Mass: 8,000 kg (17,600 lb). Thrust (vac): 2,428.312 kN (545,906 lbf). Isp: 302 sec. Burn time: 164 sec. Isp(sl): 250 sec. Diameter: 3.05 m (10.00 ft). Span: 3.05 m (10.00 ft). Length: 26.37 m (86.51 ft). Propellants: N2O4/Aerozine-50. No Engines: 2. Engine: LR-87-11.
  • Stage Number: 2. 1 x Stage: Titan 4-2. Gross Mass: 39,500 kg (87,000 lb). Empty Mass: 4,500 kg (9,900 lb). Thrust (vac): 459.510 kN (103,302 lbf). Isp: 316 sec. Burn time: 223 sec. Isp(sl): 160 sec. Diameter: 3.05 m (10.00 ft). Span: 3.05 m (10.00 ft). Length: 9.94 m (32.61 ft). Propellants: N2O4/Aerozine-50. No Engines: 1. Engine: LR-91-11.
  • Stage Number: 3. 1 x Stage: IUS-1 . Gross Mass: 10,841 kg (23,900 lb). Empty Mass: 1,134 kg (2,500 lb). Thrust (vac): 181.501 kN (40,803 lbf). Isp: 296 sec. Burn time: 152 sec. Isp(sl): 220 sec. Diameter: 2.34 m (7.67 ft). Span: 2.34 m (7.67 ft). Length: 3.52 m (11.54 ft). Propellants: Solid. No Engines: 1. Engine: SRM-1. Other designations: Orbus 21D.
  • Stage Number: 3. 1 x Stage: Centaur G. Gross Mass: 23,880 kg (52,640 lb). Empty Mass: 2,775 kg (6,117 lb). Thrust (vac): 146.800 kN (33,002 lbf). Isp: 444 sec. Burn time: 625 sec. Diameter: 4.33 m (14.20 ft). Span: 4.33 m (14.20 ft). Length: 9.00 m (29.50 ft). Propellants: Lox/LH2. No Engines: 2. Engine: RL-10A-3A. Centaur for Titan 4
  • Stage Number: 4. 1 x Stage: IUS-2 . Gross Mass: 3,919 kg (8,639 lb). Empty Mass: 1,170 kg (2,570 lb). Thrust (vac): 78.413 kN (17,628 lbf). Isp: 304 sec. Burn time: 103 sec. Isp(sl): 200 sec. Diameter: 1.61 m (5.28 ft). Span: 1.61 m (5.28 ft). Length: 2.08 m (6.82 ft). Propellants: Solid. No Engines: 1. Engine: SRM-2. Other designations: TOS.
Titan 4 Chronology

1989 June 14 - 13:18 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC41. Launch Pad: LC41. Launch Vehicle: Titan 4. Model: Titan 402A/IUS. LV Configuration: Titan 402A/IUS K-1 (45D-1).

  • USA 39 Nation: USA. Payload: DSP-1 Block 14 F14. Mass: 2,360 kg (5,200 lb). Class: Early Warning. Spacecraft: DSP. Agency: USAF. Perigee: 35,699 km (22,182 mi). Apogee: 35,614 km (22,129 mi). Inclination: 3.10 deg. Period: 1,421.80 min. COSPAR: 1989-046A. USAF Sat Cat: 20066. First DSP-1 Block 14 ballistic missile launch detection satellite; first Titan 4 launch. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 165 deg W in 1990-1994; 145 deg W in 1999; 166 deg W in 2000.. Still in service as of March 2007. As of 2007 Feb 5 located at 145.23W drifting at 0.014W degrees per day.References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 127.
1990 June 8 - 05:22 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC41. Launch Pad: LC41. Launch Vehicle: Titan 4. Model: Titan 405A. LV Configuration: Titan 405A K-4 (45H-4).
  • USA 59 Nation: USA. Payload: NOSS 9. Class: Sigint. Type: Naval reconnaisance. Spacecraft: NOSS-2. Agency: NRO/NRL. Perigee: 268 km (166 mi). Apogee: 284 km (176 mi). Inclination: 61.00 deg. Period: 90.00 min. COSPAR: 1990-050A. USAF Sat Cat: 20641. First launch by Titan 4 of new generation of NOSS naval reconnaissance satellites. However earlier NOSS weighed only 2,000 kg; Titan 4 booster has seven times this capacity. What else was launched? References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 172.
  • USA 60 Nation: USA. Payload: NOSS-Subsat 9-1. Class: Sigint. Type: Naval reconnaisance. Spacecraft: NOSS-2 subsatellite. Agency: NRO/NRL. Perigee: 1,071 km (665 mi). Apogee: 1,146 km (712 mi). Inclination: 63.40 deg. Period: 107.45 min. COSPAR: 1990-050B. USAF Sat Cat: 20682. References: 2, 5, 6.
  • USA 61 Nation: USA. Payload: NOSS-Subsat 9-2. Class: Sigint. Type: Naval reconnaisance. Spacecraft: NOSS-2 subsatellite. Agency: NRO/NRL. Perigee: 920 km (571 mi). Apogee: 1,304 km (810 mi). Inclination: 63.42 deg. Period: 107.44 min. COSPAR: 1990-050C. USAF Sat Cat: 20691. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.
  • USA 62 Nation: USA. Payload: NOSS-Subsat 9-1. Class: Sigint. Type: Naval reconnaisance. Spacecraft: NOSS-2 subsatellite. Agency: NRO/NRL. Perigee: 920 km (572 mi). Apogee: 1,303 km (810 mi). Inclination: 63.42 deg. Period: 107.44 min. COSPAR: 1990-050D. USAF Sat Cat: 20692. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.
  • TLD Nation: USA. Spacecraft: NOSS-2. Agency: USAF AFSC. COSPAR: 1990-050xx. References: 279.
1990 November 13 - 00:37 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC41. Launch Pad: LC41. Launch Vehicle: Titan 4. Model: Titan 402A/IUS. LV Configuration: Titan 402A/IUS K-6 (45D-2).
  • USA 65 Nation: USA. Payload: DSP-1 Block 14 F15. Mass: 2,360 kg (5,200 lb). Class: Early Warning. Spacecraft: DSP. Agency: USAF. Perigee: 35,614 km (22,129 mi). Apogee: 35,699 km (22,182 mi). Inclination: 3.10 deg. Period: 1,421.80 min. COSPAR: 1990-095A. USAF Sat Cat: 20929. Completed Operations Date: 2006-01-01. DSP-1 Block 14 ballistic missile launch detection satellite. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 105 deg E in 1991; 70 deg E in 1991-1992; 5 deg E in 1992-1993; 35 deg W in 1993; 38 deg W in 1999-2004. Believed to have been taken out of service in 2006. References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 127.
1991 March 8 - 12:03 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC4. Launch Pad: SLC4E. Launch Vehicle: Titan 4. Model: Titan 403A. LV Configuration: Titan 403A K-5 (45F-1).
  • USA 69 Nation: USA. Payload: Lacrosse 2. Class: Surveillance. Type: Radarsat. Spacecraft: Lacrosse. Agency: NRO/CIA. Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin Astronautics, Denver (formerly Martin). Perigee: 420 km (260 mi). Apogee: 662 km (411 mi). Inclination: 68.00 deg. Period: 95.50 min. COSPAR: 1991-017A. USAF Sat Cat: 21147. Still operating December 1997. First West Coast launch of a Titan 4. References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 69.
1991 November 8 - 07:07 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC4. Launch Pad: SLC4E. Launch Vehicle: Titan 4. Model: Titan 403A. LV Configuration: Titan 403A K-8 (45F-2).
  • USA 72 Nation: USA. Payload: NOSS 10. Class: Sigint. Type: Naval reconnaisance. Spacecraft: NOSS-2. Agency: NRO/NRL. Perigee: 799 km (496 mi). Apogee: 1,321 km (820 mi). Inclination: 63.40 deg. Period: 106.40 min. COSPAR: 1991-076A. USAF Sat Cat: 21775. Second launch by Titan 4 of new generation of NOSS naval reconnaissance satellites. However earlier NOSS weighed only 2,000 kg; Titan 4 booster has seven times this capacity. What else was launched? References: 1, 2, 5, 6, 172.
  • USA 74 Nation: USA. Payload: NOSS-Subsat 10-1. Class: Sigint. Type: Naval reconnaisance. Spacecraft: NOSS-2 subsatellite. Agency: NRO/NRL. Perigee: 954 km (593 mi). Apogee: 1,270 km (789 mi). Inclination: 63.43 deg. Period: 107.44 min. COSPAR: 1991-076C. USAF Sat Cat: 21799. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.
  • USA 76 Nation: USA. Payload: NOSS-Subsat 10-2. Class: Sigint. Type: Naval reconnaisance. Spacecraft: NOSS-2 subsatellite. Agency: NRO/NRL. Perigee: 954 km (593 mi). Apogee: 1,270 km (789 mi). Inclination: 63.43 deg. Period: 107.44 min. COSPAR: 1991-076D. USAF Sat Cat: 21808. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.
  • USA 77 Nation: USA. Payload: NOSS-Subsat 10-3. Class: Sigint. Type: Naval reconnaisance. Spacecraft: NOSS-2 subsatellite. Agency: NRO/NRL. Perigee: 954 km (593 mi). Apogee: 1,270 km (789 mi). Inclination: 63.43 deg. Period: 107.44 min. COSPAR: 1991-076E. USAF Sat Cat: 21809. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.
1992 November 28 - 21:34 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC4. Launch Pad: SLC4E. Launch Vehicle: Titan 4. Model: Titan 404A. LV Configuration: Titan 404A K-3 (45J-1).
  • USA 86 Nation: USA. Mass: 19,600 kg (43,200 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Improved Crystal. Agency: NRO/CIA. Perigee: 256 km (159 mi). Apogee: 911 km (566 mi). Inclination: 97.70 deg. Period: 96.40 min. COSPAR: 1992-083A. USAF Sat Cat: 22251. Decay Date: 2000-06-05. Optical reconnaisance satellite built for the US National Reconnaissance Office. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.
1993 August 2 - 19:59 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC4. Launch Pad: SLC4E. Launch Vehicle: Titan 4. Model: Titan 403A. LV Configuration: Titan 403A K-11 (45F-9). FAILURE: Radial cut inadvertently made in SRM during repairs resulted in explosion of SRM and vehicle at T+101 seconds.
  • NOSS 19 Nation: USA. Payload: NOSS B-3. Class: Sigint. Type: Naval reconnaisance. Spacecraft: NOSS-2. Agency: U.S. Navy. Apogee: 33 km (20 mi). COSPAR: F930802A. Decay Date: 1993-08-02. Third attempted launch by Titan 4 of new generation of NOSS naval reconnaissance satellites. No known launches of this system thereafter. References: 5, 172.
  • SSU Nation: USA. Payload: SSU. Spacecraft: NOSS. Agency: USAF AFMC. Apogee: 33 km (20 mi). COSPAR: F930802B. References: 279.
  • SSU Nation: USA. Payload: SSU. Spacecraft: NOSS. Agency: USAF AFMC. Apogee: 33 km (20 mi). COSPAR: F930802C. References: 279.
  • SSU Nation: USA. Payload: SSU. Spacecraft: NOSS. Agency: USAF AFMC. Apogee: 33 km (20 mi). COSPAR: F930802D. References: 279.
  • TLD Nation: USA. Payload: TLD. Spacecraft: NOSS. Agency: USAF AFMC. Apogee: 33 km (20 mi). COSPAR: F930802E. References: 279.
1994 February 7 - 21:47 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC40. Launch Pad: LC40. Launch Vehicle: Titan 4. Model: Titan 401A/Centaur. LV Configuration: Titan 401A/Centaur K-10 (45E-3).
  • USA 99 Nation: USA. Payload: Milstar 1-01 / DFS 1. Mass: 4,500 kg (9,900 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Milstar. Agency: USAF. Perigee: 35,733 km (22,203 mi). Apogee: 35,790 km (22,230 mi). Inclination: 12.00 deg. Period: 1,434.00 min. COSPAR: 1994-009A. USAF Sat Cat: 22988. Military communications. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 90 deg W in 1994; 120 deg W in 1995-1999. References: 1, 2, 5, 6.
1994 May 3 - 15:55 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC41. Launch Pad: LC41. Launch Vehicle: Titan 4. Model: Titan 401A/Centaur. LV Configuration: Titan 401A/Centaur K-7 (45E-1).
  • USA 103 Nation: USA. Payload: Trumpet 1. Mass: 5,200 kg (11,400 lb). Class: Sigint. Spacecraft: Trumpet. Agency: NRO/USAF. Perigee: 518 km (321 mi). Apogee: 537 km (333 mi). Inclination: 55.10 deg. Period: 95.20 min. COSPAR: 1994-026A. USAF Sat Cat: 23097. Spacecraft engaged in research and exploration of the upper atmosphere or outer space (US Cat B). References: 1, 2, 5, 6.
1994 August 27 - 08:58 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC41. Launch Pad: LC41. Launch Vehicle: Titan 4. Model: Titan 401A/Centaur. LV Configuration: Titan 401A/Centaur K-9 (45E-2).
  • USA 105 Nation: USA. Payload: Mercury ELINT 1. Class: Military. Type: ELINT. Spacecraft: Mercury ELINT. Agency: NRO/USAF. Perigee: 35,780 km (22,230 mi). Apogee: 35,790 km (22,230 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. COSPAR: 1994-054A. USAF Sat Cat: 23223. First launch of Mercury ELINT satellite. References: 2, 5, 6, 172.
1994 December 22 - 22:19 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC40. Launch Pad: LC40. Launch Vehicle: Titan 4. Model: Titan 402A/IUS. LV Configuration: Titan 402A/IUS K-14 (45D-3).
  • USA 107 Nation: USA. Payload: DSP-1 Block 14 F17. Mass: 2,360 kg (5,200 lb). Class: Early Warning. Spacecraft: DSP. Agency: USAF. Perigee: 35,780 km (22,230 mi). Apogee: 35,790 km (22,230 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min. COSPAR: 1994-084A. USAF Sat Cat: 23435. DSP-1 Block 14 ballistic missile launch detection satellite. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 103 deg E in 1999. Still in service as of March 2007. References: 2, 5, 6, 127.
1995 May 14 - 13:45 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC40. Launch Pad: LC40. Launch Vehicle: Titan 4. Model: Titan 401A/Centaur. LV Configuration: Titan 401A/Centaur K-23 (45E-8).
  • USA 110 Nation: USA. Payload: Advanced Orion 1. Class: Sigint. Spacecraft: Advanced Orion. Agency: NRO/CIA. Perigee: 35,787 km (22,236 mi). Apogee: 35,787 km (22,236 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. COSPAR: 1995-022A. USAF Sat Cat: 23567. First launch of 'Advanced Orion' (real code name unknown) new model geostationary ELINT satellite. References: 2, 5, 6, 172.
1995 July 10 - 12:38 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC41. Launch Pad: LC41. Launch Vehicle: Titan 4. Model: Titan 401A/Centaur. LV Configuration: Titan 401A/Centaur K-19 (45E-5).
  • USA 112 Nation: USA. Payload: Trumpet 2. Mass: 5,200 kg (11,400 lb). Class: Sigint. Spacecraft: Trumpet. Agency: NRO/USAF. Perigee: 1,000 km (600 mi). Apogee: 39,000 km (24,000 mi). Inclination: 64.00 deg. COSPAR: 1995-034A. USAF Sat Cat: 23609. References: 2, 5, 6.
1995 November 6 - 05:15 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC40. Launch Pad: LC40. Launch Vehicle: Titan 4. Model: Titan 401A/Centaur. LV Configuration: Titan 401A/Centaur K-21 (45E-7).
  • USA 115 Nation: USA. Payload: Milstar DFS 2. Mass: 4,500 kg (9,900 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Milstar. Agency: USAF. Perigee: 35,787 km (22,236 mi). Apogee: 35,787 km (22,236 mi). Inclination: 10.00 deg. COSPAR: 1995-060A. USAF Sat Cat: 23712. Secure military communication. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 4 deg E in 1995-2001. As of 2005 Mar 14 located at 10.26E drifting at 0.012E degrees per day. References: 2, 5, 6.
1995 December 5 - 21:18 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC4. Launch Pad: SLC4E. Launch Vehicle: Titan 4. Model: Titan 404A. LV Configuration: Titan 404A K-15 (45J-3).
  • USA 116 Nation: USA. Mass: 26,000 kg (57,000 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Improved Crystal. Agency: NRO/CIA. Perigee: 250 km (150 mi). Apogee: 976 km (606 mi). Inclination: 98.70 deg. COSPAR: 1995-066A. USAF Sat Cat: 23728. Optical reconnaisance satellite built for the US National Reconnaissance Office. Instruments said to include a large telescope with visual and near infrared wavelength CCD sensors and the ICMS mapping system. References: 2, 5, 6.
1996 April 24 - 23:37 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC41. Launch Pad: LC41. Launch Vehicle: Titan 4. Model: Titan 401A/Centaur. LV Configuration: Titan 401A/Centaur K-16 (45E-4).
  • USA 118 Nation: USA. Payload: Mercury ELINT 2. Class: Military. Type: ELINT. Spacecraft: Mercury ELINT. Agency: NRO/USAF. Perigee: 30,000 km (18,000 mi). COSPAR: 1996-026A. USAF Sat Cat: 23855. Second launch of Mercury ELINT satellite. References: 4, 6.
1996 May 12 - 21:32 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC4. Launch Pad: SLC4E. Launch Vehicle: Titan 4. Model: Titan 403A. LV Configuration: Titan 403A K-22 (45F-11).
  • USA 119 Nation: USA. Payload: SDS B-2. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military. Spacecraft: SDS-2. Agency: NRO/NRL. Perigee: 1,051 km (653 mi). Apogee: 1,165 km (723 mi). Inclination: 63.40 deg. Period: 107.44 min. COSPAR: 1996-029A. USAF Sat Cat: 23893. Unknown orbit References: 4, 6.
  • USA 120 Nation: USA. Payload: SSU. Class: Sigint. Type: Naval reconnaisance. Spacecraft: NOSS-Subsat. Agency: NRO/NRL. Perigee: 1,058 km (657 mi). Apogee: 1,157 km (718 mi). Inclination: 63.40 deg. COSPAR: 1996-029B. USAF Sat Cat: 23907. References: 4, 6.
  • USA 121 Nation: USA. Payload: SSU. Class: Sigint. Type: Naval reconnaisance. Spacecraft: NOSS-Subsat. Agency: NRO/NRL. Perigee: 1,055 km (655 mi). Apogee: 1,160 km (720 mi). Inclination: 63.40 deg. COSPAR: 1996-029C. USAF Sat Cat: 23908. References: 4, 6.
  • USA 122 Nation: USA. Payload: NOSS B-4. Class: Sigint. Type: Naval reconnaisance. Spacecraft: NOSS-2. Agency: NRO/NRL. Perigee: 1,060 km (650 mi). Apogee: 1,156 km (718 mi). Inclination: 63.40 deg. COSPAR: 1996-029D. USAF Sat Cat: 23862. References: 4, 6.
  • USA 123 Nation: USA. Payload: TIPS Ralph. Class: Technology. Type: Tether. Spacecraft: TIPS. Agency: NRO/NRL. Perigee: 1,010 km (620 mi). Apogee: 1,032 km (641 mi). Inclination: 63.40 deg. COSPAR: 1996-029E. USAF Sat Cat: 23936. ??? References: 4, 6.
  • USA 124 Nation: USA. Payload: TIPS Norton. Class: Technology. Type: Tether. Spacecraft: TIPS. Agency: NRO/NRL. Perigee: 1,010 km (620 mi). Apogee: 1,032 km (641 mi). Inclination: 63.40 deg. COSPAR: 1996-029F. USAF Sat Cat: 23937. References: 4, 6.
1996 July 3 - 00:31 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC40. Launch Pad: LC40. Launch Vehicle: Titan 4. Model: Titan 405A. LV Configuration: Titan 405A K-2 (45H-1).
  • USA 125 Nation: USA. Payload: SDS B-4. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Class: Communications. Type: Military. Spacecraft: SDS-2. Agency: NRO/USAF. Perigee: 292 km (181 mi). Apogee: 319 km (198 mi). Inclination: 54.90 deg. Period: 90.63 min. COSPAR: 1996-038A. USAF Sat Cat: 23945. Unknown orbit References: 4, 6.
1996 December 20 - 18:04 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC4. Launch Pad: SLC4E. Launch Vehicle: Titan 4. Model: Titan 404A. LV Configuration: Titan 404A K-13 (45J-5).
  • USA 129 Nation: USA. Mass: 19,600 kg (43,200 lb). Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Spacecraft: Improved Crystal. Agency: NRO/USAF. Perigee: 153 km (95 mi). Apogee: 949 km (589 mi). Inclination: 97.90 deg. COSPAR: 1996-072A. USAF Sat Cat: 24680. Optical reconnaisance satellite built for the US National Reconnaissance Office. References: 4.
1997 October 24 - 02:32 GMT - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: SLC4. Launch Pad: SLC4E. Launch Vehicle: Titan 4. Model: Titan 403A. LV Configuration: Titan 403A 4A-18 (K-18, 45F-3).
  • USA 133 Nation: USA. Payload: Lacrosse 3. Class: Surveillance. Type: Radarsat. Spacecraft: Lacrosse. Agency: NRO/CIA. Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin Astronautics, Denver (formerly Martin). Perigee: 666 km (413 mi). Apogee: 679 km (421 mi). Inclination: 57.00 deg. COSPAR: 1997-064A. USAF Sat Cat: 25017. Still operating December 1997. References: 4, 69.
1997 November 8 - 02:05 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC41. Launch Pad: LC41. Launch Vehicle: Titan 4. Model: Titan 401A/Centaur. LV Configuration: Titan 401A/Centaur 4A-17 (K-20, 45E-?).
  • USA 136 Nation: USA. Payload: Trumpet 3. Mass: 5,200 kg (11,400 lb). Class: Sigint. Spacecraft: Trumpet. Agency: NRO/USAF. Manufacturer: Boeing, Kent/Seattle. Perigee: 1,100 km (600 mi). Apogee: 39,059 km (24,270 mi). Inclination: 63.60 deg. COSPAR: 1997-068A. USAF Sat Cat: 25034. References: 4.
1998 August 12 - 11:30 GMT - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: LC41. Launch Pad: LC41. Launch Vehicle: Titan 4. Model: Titan 401A/Centaur. LV Configuration: Titan 401A/Centaur 4A-20 (K-17). FAILURE: Due to guidance system loss of heading after power interrupt, booster pitched over 40 seconds after launch, and was destroyed by range safety.
  • Mercury ELINT Nation: USA. Payload: Mercury ELINT 3. Class: Military. Type: ELINT. Spacecraft: Mercury ELINT. Agency: NRO/NSA. Manufacturer: TRW. COSPAR: F980812A. Third launch of Mercury ELINT satellite.
Bibliography and Further Reading
  • McDowell, Jonathan, Jonathan's Space Home Page, Harvard University, 1997-present. Jonathan McDowell's complete on-line listing of all objects orbited and over 20,000 rocket launches Accessed at: http://www.planet4589.org/jsr.html.
  • Isakowitz, Steven J,, International Reference to Space Launch Systems Second Edition, AIAA, Washington DC, 1991 (succeeded by 2000 edition). ISBN: 1563473534. Superseded by the later editions. More at amazon.com...
  • Wilson, Andrew, editor,, Jane's/Interavia Space Directory, Jane's Information Group, Coulsdon, Surrey, 1992 et al. ISBN: 0710618107. The most comprehensive source of information for current space projects. Too expensive for human beings and most libraries. More at amazon.com...
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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