Beskrivning : Canyon was the first series of NRO`s near geostationary ELINT/SIGINT satellites launched under the designation AFP-827 or Program 7500. They were focussed on communications intelligence (COMINT).

The satellites were primary built to intercept soviet communications transmissions, especially line-of-sight microwave links, but were also able to tap into very high frequency (VHF) communications. Main contractor was Lockheed. Reportedly they consisted of a large (ca. 10 m diameter) antenna and were three axis stabilized. They were deployed into a 24 h orbit, which is not geostationary, so that triangulations of emmiter sources can be made from different points.
Vandenberg post stamp and Midas satellite.

USA 611 - picture enhanced ?

Sida : future · Ref: USA  611 

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CANYON 5 (SATELLITE) · ATLAS SLV3A