- Rhyolite/Aquacade
Rhyolite and later, Aquacade are reportedly code names for a class of
SIGINT reconnaissance satellite s operated by theNational Reconnaissance Office for the United StatesCentral Intelligence Agency . The program, also known as AFP-720 and AFP-472 [ [http://www.planet4589.org/space/jsr/back/news.509 Jonathan's Space Report No. 509] (2003-09-18)] , remainsclassified .It is believed that at least four Rhyolite/Aquacade satellites were launched from
Cape Canaveral between June 1970 and April 1978 on Atlas/Agena D launch vehicles. The satellites weigh approximately 700 kg and operated in near-geosynchronous orbit s over theMiddle East .The name of the program, originally "Rhyolite", was changed to "Aquacade" in 1975 following the disclosure of the codeword "Rhyolite" in the trial of
Christopher Boyce and Andrew Lee.The Rhyolite/Aquacade satellites, made by
TRW , are rumored to have an umbrella-like reflecting dish 20meters in diameter.They were succeeded by the Magnum/Orion andMentor (satellite) series of satellites.List of Launches
ee also
*
Canyon (satellite) a contemporary, near-geosynchronous program with closer ties to theUnited States Air Force References
* Richelson, Jeffrey T. ed. "U.S. Military Uses of Space, 1945-1991 Vol 1, Guide." National Security Archive. 1991.
* [http://www.fas.org/spp/military/program/sigint/overview.htm SIGINT overview] fromFederation of American Scientists
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