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NRO Satellite Successfully Launched by Atlas

More Information:

An Atlas IIAS/Centaur rocket successfully launched a classified satellite for the U.S. Air Force and National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 3E at 1525:05 UTC (8:25 a.m. PDT) on September 8. Although the exact mass of the spacecraft is classified, Lockheed Martin announced this was the heaviest payload ever launched by an Atlas rocket. The launch, designated AC-160, was provided by International Launch Services (ILS).

Industry analysts believe the most likely candidate for the satellite is a new electronic eavesdropper, often referred to as the Naval Ocean Surveillance System (NOSS), which is capable of detecting signals from enemy ships, which would help in locating the ships and determining their intent. This newest generation of Space Based Wide Area Surveillance System are built by Lockheed Martin reportedly to operate against both land- and ocean-based targets.

ILS is a joint venture of Lockheed Martin of the United States and Russian companies Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Center and RSC Energia. ILS provides launch services to customers worldwide, including technical, management and marketing expertise. The company is headquartered near Washington, D.C.

The Atlas rockets and their Centaur upper stages are built by Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company-Astronautics Operations at facilities in Denver, Colo.; Harlingen, Texas; and San Diego, Calif.

SPACEandTECH Digest is a weekly roundup of the latest industry news of interest to the space professional. SPACEandTECH Flash! is an internet push service offered by Andrews Space & Technology to bring the latest on orders, launches, and important breaking news to your desktop. SPACEandTECH Digest and SPACEandTECH Flash! are part of the Andrews Space & Technology www.spaceandtech.com website, a website designed to serve the information needs of the space industry.

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September 10, 2001