Author Topic: ULA Atlas V 551 - NROL-107 SILENTBARKER - CCSFS SLC-41 - 10 Sep 2023 12:47 UTC  (Read 98300 times)

Offline Targeteer

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Have any amateur astronomers spotted these satellites, either optically or by radio transmissions?  I have not read any mention on SeeSat-l.

I don't think the amateur observers ever ID'd or located the GSSAP payloads in orbit and one might guess the DOD/NRO have tried to make them harder to spot from the ground to make it harder for adversaries to counter or attack them.
Best quote heard during an inspection, "I was unaware that I was the only one who was aware."

Offline Targeteer

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Lots of discussion of SilentBarker in the ariticle.  The Youtube video is public domain but the article is not. 

https://www.airandspaceforces.com/nro-space-force-partnership-targeting-strategy/

« Last Edit: 10/11/2023 04:41 pm by Targeteer »
Best quote heard during an inspection, "I was unaware that I was the only one who was aware."

Offline Targeteer

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Apparently 3 payloads

57836    USA 346                           2023-140A   PAYLOAD   US   2023-09-10                     
57837    USA 347                           2023-140B   PAYLOAD   US   2023-09-10                     
57838    USA 348                           2023-140C   PAYLOAD   US   2023-09-10                     
57839    ATLAS 5 CENTAUR R/B   2023-140D   ROCKET BODY   US   2023-09-10   

Copied over from the Jan USSF-67 Falcon Heavy launch thread because the launch date in the story matches but as described below I think this launch is more likely.  Looking for help from the forum experts...

https://breakingdefense.com/2023/12/space-forces-new-classified-threat-warning-sensors-now-delivering-intel-on-foreign-capabilities/?utm_source=sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=mil-ebb&SToverlay=342f5a58-c37b-4142-b049-1f737335b507

ORLANDO — Three novel sensor payloads launched by the Space Force in January are now up and running, collecting data on potential on-orbit threats, according to the director of the Space Rapid Capabilities Office (SpRCO).

Edit--  I think the reference in the story to a January launch may be incorrect.  A "60 day checkout" and reference to 3 payloads seems a better fit to the Silentbarker launch in September by the Atlas 551...
« Last Edit: 12/15/2023 07:49 pm by Targeteer »
Best quote heard during an inspection, "I was unaware that I was the only one who was aware."

Offline Targeteer

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https://journal.angus-publishing.com/index.php/acmsr/article/view/52

A Review of Space Situational Awareness Satellites:Silentbarker
Haojie He. Dexian Zeng. Jian Li. Yunzheng Liu. Siyi Wang.

Abstract:

Reviewed the development and status quo of space situational awareness satellites in the United States. According to the launch time of the satellites, four typical space situational awareness satellites, namely Midcourse Space Experiment, Space-Based Surveillance System, Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program and Silentbarker are introduced. The basic information and mission requirements of these four typical space situational awareness satellites are described. This paper analyzes the development trend of space situational awareness satellites in the future, and provides reference for commercial space situational awareness satellites in the future.
Best quote heard during an inspection, "I was unaware that I was the only one who was aware."

Online FutureSpaceTourist

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Update on the fairing ‘observation’ seen on this flight (and it seems another flight but not in public view).

Let’s follow up on the linked thread:

Posting here as the two issues need to be closed about before this launch can take place:

https://arstechnica.com/space/2024/10/while-ula-studies-vulcan-booster-anomaly-its-also-investigating-fairing-issues/

Quote
While ULA studies Vulcan booster anomaly, it’s also investigating fairing issues
"We have integrated some corrective actions and additional inspections of the hardware."
STEPHEN CLARK – 30 OCT 2024 15:13

A little more than a year ago, a snippet of video that wasn't supposed to go public made its way onto United Launch Alliance's live broadcast of an Atlas V rocket launch carrying three classified surveillance satellites for the US Space Force and the National Reconnaissance Office.

Screenshots from ULA launch video attached (which were discussed on the original launch thread at the time).
« Last Edit: 10/30/2024 03:17 pm by FutureSpaceTourist »

Offline AndrewM

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The satellites should be into initial operations in 2025 and full operations in 2026.

Quote
The Space Force expects its newest space observation satellites, Silent Barker, to be ready for initial operations early next year, according to the head of U.S. Space Command.

Gen. Stephen Whiting told reporters Wednesday that the spacecraft, which launched in September 2023, has been undergoing a series of on-orbit tests for the last year.

Quote
Whiting suggested the yearlong testing process is “not atypical” for a new mission like Silent Barker, adding that future satellites in the constellation should integrate much faster. The Space Force expects the satellites to be fully operational by 2026.

https://www.defensenews.com/space/2024/12/11/space-forces-first-silent-barker-satellites-to-be-live-in-early-2025/

 

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