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Classified NROL-47 Found in Orbit by Satellite Trackers, Identity Confirmed as Topaz 5

January 15, 2018January 15, 2018 Patrick Blau 14177 Views NRO, NROL-47, Topaz, Vandenberg

The classified NROL-47 satellite launched by a Delta IV rocket on Friday had barely made its first lap around Earth when its identity as a radar reconnaissance satellite was revealed by amateur satellite trackers listening to the spacecraft’s radio transmissions, found to be in family with predecessor missions of the same kind.

Atlas V Delta IV Featured Launch Military Space National Reconnaissance Office News Newsfeed Reconnaissance United Launch Alliance

Delta IV Rocket Blasts Off from California with U.S. Spy Satellite

January 12, 2018January 15, 2018 Patrick Blau 5103 Views NRO, NROL-47, Topaz, Vandenberg

A United Launch Alliance Delta IV rocket thundered off from California’s Vandenberg Air Force Base on Friday on classified government business, lifting the secret NROL-47 satellite for the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office to replenish the U.S. spy satellite fleet.