William Atkins
Monday, 19 January 2009 22:36
Science -
Space
Page 3 of 4
Military experts think that the NRO L-26 is an ELectronic Signals INTelligence (ELINT) satellite, either the first in the Intruder series of satellites or an Advanced Orion satellite.
An Intruder, also called an Integrated Overhead SIGINT Architecture (IOSA) satellite, is thought to be an advanced SIGINT combination of the ELINT and COMINT (Communications Intelligence) programs.
An Advanced Orion, also called MENTOR, is a reconnaissance satellite that the United States uses to collect signals intelligence (SIGINT) from space.
Aviation Week states that the NRO L-26 satellite is
“an advanced geosynchronous orbit Orion eavesdropping spacecraft on board a Boeing Delta IV Heavy booster.”
This NRO L-26 satellite is assumed to be one of the SIGINT-type satellites because of the larger size of its launch vehicle (Delta IV Heavy), one of the largest rockets used by the U.S. military.
Jim Sponnick, United Launch Alliance vice president in charge of the Delta product line, stated,
"This first Delta IV Heavy launch for the NRO is the culmination of years of hard work and dedication by the combined NRO, Air Force, supplier and ULA team. We appreciate the support from our mission partners in achieving this milestone.”
Sponnick added,
"ULA is pleased to contribute to our nation's security, and to continue our strong partnership with the NRO. We look forward to launching many more NRO missions on ULA's Delta IV Medium, Delta IV Heavy and Atlas V vehicles.” [ActiveBoard.com: “
RE: NRO L-26 Launch”]
Page four concludes with comments made by Aviation Week on the NRO.
