This series, of which the name Mercury has been reported, but which are generally known as 'Advanced Vortex', are the latest generation of USAF ELINT/SIGINT satellites. Unlike their predecessors of the Chalet / Vortex series, they are operated from a true geostationary orbit.
Reportedly they consist of a large antenna and are three axis stabilized. The purpose of the Mercury series is to pinpoint radar locations.
| Nation: | USA |
|---|---|
| Type / Application: | ELINT |
| Operator: | USAF |
| Contractors: | ? |
| Equipment: | ? |
| Configuration: | Large Dish Antenna, 3-Axis-Stabilization |
| Propulsion: | ? |
| Power: | |
| Lifetime: | |
| Mass: | ? |
| Orbit: | GEO |
| Satellite | Date | LS | Launch Vehicle | Remarks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercury 1 (USA 105) | 27.08.1994 | CC LC-41 | Titan-4(01)A Centaur-T | ||
| Mercury 2 (USA 118) | 24.06.1996 | CC LC-41 | Titan-4(01)A Centaur-T | ||
| Mercury 3 (NROL 7) | 12.08.1998 | CC LC-41 | F | Titan-4(01)A Centaur-T |
