The Magnum / Orion satellites are geostationary signals intelligence satellites, which replaced the Rhyolite / Aquacade series. Their purpose was to intercept communications transmissions, especially line-of-sight microwave links and missile telemetry interception, from the Soviet Union and China. They were succeeded by the Mentor ('Advanced Orion') series.
| Nation: | USA |
|---|---|
| Type / Application: | ELINT |
| Operator: | USAF |
| Contractors: | TRW |
| Equipment: | ? |
| Configuration: | ~ 50 m Ø Dish Antenna, 3-Axis-Stabilization |
| Propulsion: | ? |
| Power: | |
| Lifetime: | |
| Mass: | ? |
| Orbit: | GEO |
| Satellite | Date | LS | Launch Vehicle | Remarks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Magnum 1 → Orion 1 (USA 8) | 24.01.1985 | CC LC-39A | Shuttle [IUS] | with Discovery F3 (STS 51-C) | |
| Magnum 2 → Orion 2 (USA 48) | 23.11.1989 | CC LC-39B | Shuttle [IUS] | with Discovery F9 (STS 33R) |
