
Hitchhiker
SSF-A probably similar
The satellites are the first series of so called "Subsatellite Ferrets", low orbit ELINT satellites to pinpoint and characterize different Radar emitters in the Soviet Union and Warsaw pact states. As the proper name of these satellite has not been disclosed yet, they are referred to as "Subsatellite Ferret A" (SSF-A). This series was also known as Program 11 or P-11.
These subsatellites were deployed from the propulsion rack of the Agena-D stage of KH-4 Corona, KH-5 Argon and KH-7 Gambit-1 reconnaissance satellites. They used a solid-fuel kick-motor to maneuver themselves into their operational orbits after deployment.
Three more P-11 satellites were launched as unclassified scientific satellites under the name Hitchhiker.
| Nation: | USA |
|---|---|
| Type / Application: | ELINT |
| Operator: | USAF |
| Contractors: | Lockheed |
| Equipment: | ? |
| Configuration: | P-11 bus |
| Propulsion: | Kick motor |
| Power: | Solar cells, batteries |
| Lifetime: | |
| Mass: | ? |
| Orbit: |
| Satellite | Date | LS | Launch Vehicle | Remarks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SSF-A 1 | 29.10.1963 | Va 75-3-4 | Thor-SLV2A Agena-D | with KH-5 10 | |
| SSF-A 2 | 21.12.1963 | Va 75-1-2 | Thor-SLV2A Agena-D | with KH-4 26 | |
| SSF-A 3 | 06.07.1964 | Va LC-2-3 | Atlas-LV3 Agena-D | with KH-7 9 | |
| SSF-A 4 | 23.10.1964 | Va LC-2-3 | Atlas-LV3 Agena-D | with KH-7 13 |