The Chalet / Vortex ELINT satellites were the successors to the Canyon series of near GEO ELINT/SIGINT satellites. Reportedly they consist of a large (ca. 38 m diameter) antenna and are three axis stabilized. The purpose of the Chalet / Vortex series is, to pinpoint radar locations. For that purpose they are deployed into a 24 h orbit, which is not geostationary, so that triangulations can be made from different points.
The name was changed from Chalet to Vortex, when the former name was disclosed in a New York Times report. They are also known as AFP-366 series. The successor of these satellites were the Mercury geostationary ELINTS.
| Nation: | USA |
|---|---|
| Type / Application: | ELINT |
| Operator: | USAF |
| Contractors: | E-Systems ? |
| Equipment: | ? |
| Configuration: | ~ 38 m Ø Dish Antenna, 3-Axis-Stabilization |
| Propulsion: | ? |
| Power: | |
| Lifetime: | |
| Mass: | 932 kg ? |
| Orbit: | 30200 km × 40800 km, 7.00° (typical) |
| Satellite | Date | LS | Launch Vehicle | Remarks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chalet 1 → Vortex 1 (OPS 9454) | 10.06.1978 | CC LC-40 | Titan-3(23)C | ||
| Chalet 2 → Vortex 2 (OPS 1948) | 01.10.1979 | CC LC-40 | Titan-3(23)C | ||
| Chalet 3 → Vortex 3 (OPS 4029) | 31.10.1981 | CC LC-40 | Titan-3(23)C | ||
| Chalet 4 → Vortex 4 (OPS 0441) | 31.01.1984 | CC LC-40 | Titan-34D Transtage | ||
| Chalet 5 → Vortex 5 (USA 31) | 02.09.1988 | CC LC-40 | f | Titan-34D Transtage | |
| Chalet 6 → Vortex 6 (USA 37) | 10.05.1989 | CC LC-40 | Titan-34D Transtage |
