USA-160

 2001-040A

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The first of a new generation of NOSS satellites was launched in Sep 2001. The AC-160 launch was codenamed 'Gemini'.

There are two spacecraft operating in polar orbit to intercept radio transmissions. It is probably a followon to NOSS. The contract was awarded to LMA/Denver in 1994 (TRW was the rival bidder). In late 1998 it was reported that the program had large overruns.

AC-160 used a Centaur with RL10A-4-1 engines and a 14' PLF.

As well as USA 160 and the Centaur, a third object was cataloged. This was registered with the UN as a debris object but appears to be the second payload.

NRO
Date	Time	Event	Orbit
2001 Sep 8	1525:05	Launch by Atlas IIAS AC-160	V SLC3E
		T+0:57 SRB 3-4 ignition
		T+1:59 SRB 1-2 sep
		T+2:02 SRB 3-4 sep
		T+2:47 BECO
		T+2:50 Booster sep
		T+3:39 14' PLF sep
		T+4:33 SECO
		T+4:35 Atlas sep
		T+4:52 MES-1
	1535:45	T+10:40 MECO-1	160 x 1200 x 63? (guess)
	1629	T+1:04:10? MES-2 12s
	1629	T+1:04:22? MECO-2
	1633	T+1:08 Centaur sep	1000 x 1200? x 63?
2001 Sep 26		999 x 1203 x 63.4 (UN)