Beskrivning : The Chalet / Vortex ELINT satellites were the successors to the Canyon series of near GEO ELINT/SIGINT satellites. They were focussed on communications intelligence (COMINT), but had the capability added to intercept also missile telemetry.

Reportedly they consist of a large (ca. 38 m diameter) antenna and are three axis stabilized. They were deployed into a 24 h orbit, which is not geostationary, so that triangulations of emitter sources can be made from different points.

The numbering sequence continued the earlier Canyon sequence. The name was changed from Chalet to Vortex, when the former name was disclosed in a New York Times report in 1979. They are also known as AFP-366 series. The successor of these satellites were the Mercury geostationary ELINT satellites.
Kennedy Space Center post stamp and satellite USAF EARLY MORNING.

USA 1333 - picture enhanced ?

Sida : future · Ref: USA 1333 

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Rymdhändelse :

CHALET 9 · aka VORTEX 9, OPS 1948 (SATELLITE) · TITAN 3C