"SSF-A" (P-11)

 

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
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