These spacecraft are probably the next generation of the Trumpet and 'Trumpet-F/O' SIGINT satellites operating in a Molniya orbit. As no name is known, these are referred here as "Trumpet Follow On 2". Possibly these satellites might be named Raven.
These satellite most likely use a large, unfurlable dish antenna to collect the signals.
An official reported, that, although the satellite shares the same name with its precedessors, it is nearly 90% different in terms of technology.
Trumpet 6 (or NROL 35) is the host for the SBIRS-HEO-3 early warning package. It also likely carries the EPS 1 (Enhanced Polar System) communication package, the polar component of AEHF (Advanced Extremely High Frequency).
Trumpet 7 (or NROL 42) likely carries the SBIRS-HEO-4 early warning package. Also likely the EPS 1 (Enhanced Polar System) communication package is onboard.
Note: The NROL designations refer to the launch, not to the payload.
| Nation: | USA |
|---|---|
| Type / Application: | SIGINT, early warning |
| Operator: | NRO |
| Contractors: | ? |
| Equipment: | ? |
| Configuration: | ? |
| Propulsion: | ? |
| Power: | |
| Lifetime: | |
| Mass: | |
| Orbit: | 2101 km × 37748 km, 62.8° (#1) |
| Satellite | COSPAR | Date | LS | Launch Vehicle | Remarks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trumpet 6 (USA 259, NROL 35, SBIRS HEO-3, EPS 1) | 2014-081A | 13.12.2014 | Va SLC-3E | Atlas-5(541)¹ | ||
| Trumpet 7 (USA 278, NROL 42, SBIRS HEO-4, EPS 2) | 2017-056A | 24.09.2017 | Va SLC-3E | Atlas-5(541)¹ |
Further high orbit SIGINT missions:
Geostationary orbit COMINT (Canyon-Chalet-Vortex-Mercury series)
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Further SBIRS-High / SBIRS-Low / STSS missions:
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Further Milstar / AEHF / ESS missions:
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