NRO Declassifies JUMPSEAT Spy Satellites Launched Between 1971 and 1987
The National Reconnaissance Office has declassified details about its JUMPSEAT series of spy satellites, launched from 1971 to 1987, which focused on capturing electronic signals rather than images. Developed in partnership with the U.S. Air Force, these satellites played a significant role in Cold War intelligence collection and operated until 2006. The NRO continues to enhance its reconnaissance capabilities with new satellite technologies.
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The National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) has declassified information on its JUMPSEAT series of spy satellites, which were launched between 1971 and 1987, with service ending in 2006. Eight satellites utilized mission numbers 7701 to 7708 and were developed in collaboration with the United States Air Force under the Project EARPOP program.
JUMPSEAT satellites, weighing approximately 700 kg, did not have imaging systems but captured electronic signals and communications, using highly elliptical Molniya orbits to monitor adversarial weapon systems. The first satellite launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, and the series played a crucial role in intelligence collection during the Cold War. The satellites operated until 2006, and the NRO continues to upgrade its reconnaissance capabilities with new satellite architectures.
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