"SSF-B"

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 B" (SSF-B).

These subsatellites were deployed from the propulsion rack of the Agena-D stage of KH-7 Gambit-1, KH-4A Corona and KH-4B Corona reconnaissance satellites and racks mounted on the KH-9 Hexagon reconnaissance satellites. They used a solid-fuel kick-motor to maneuver themselves into their operational orbits after deployment.