Titan 404B | NROL-9
This satellite is suspected to be a stealthy electro-optical reconnaissance satellite. The program name for developing an stealth IMINT capability is reportedly “Misty”. Hobbyist satellite observers continue to track an object from that launch in a 2700 km × 3100 km, 63.4° orbit, but detailed orbital analysis reveals significant solar radiation pressure perturbations, from an area to mass ratio of about 0.1 m2/kg, 10 to 20 times that of a payload, and more akin to debris or a decoy, can be deduced. It appears to be no more than 5 to 10 m across, and only a few hundred kilograms in mass. If USA 144 is Misty-2, then it is likely to be in a 700 to 800 km, quasi 65° orbit. These orbits are low-drag, so orbit maintenance manoeuvres are not required.
Titan IV was a family of heavy-lift space launch vehicles developed by Martin Marietta and operated by the United States Air Force from 1989 to 2005.
When is the Titan 404B | NROL-9 launch?
What rocket is being used for NROL-9 (Misty 2)?
Where is the Titan 404B | NROL-9 launching from?
What orbit is NROL-9 (Misty 2) going to?
Who is launching NROL-9 (Misty 2)?
Can I watch the Titan 404B | NROL-9 launch live?
Mission Profile
NROL-9 (Misty 2) was a Titan 404B mission operated by United States Air Force that lifted off from Space Launch Complex 4E, Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA on May 22, 1999. The flight carried its payload on a government/top secret mission to Low Earth Orbit. The launch was a success.