Topaz 2 (FIA-Radar 2, USA 234, NROL-25)

Spacecraft n°:

US spacecraft n°:

Launch data:

Spacecraft data:

Description:

• The launch will be the first of four that the NRO has planned this year, a batch of missions that also includes an Atlas 5 on June 20 and a Delta 4-Heavy on June 28, both from Cape Canaveral, and another Atlas 5 from Vandenberg on Aug. 2.
• The NOTAM for the fall of launcher components indicates it is the second FIA Radar satellite aimed at retrograde orbit with 123° inclination. It's orbit plane will have an ascending node about 180° away from FIA-Radar 1 (USA 215) allowing the frequency of each day's visits to a target to be doubled.
• They are the successors of the Lacrosse / Onyx radar satellites.
• Delayed from March 29 to first reserve date because of a need to inspect an upper stage engine prior to launch, remaining opportunities are Mar 31 - Apr 2 inclusive.

Mission details:

• A secret National Reconnaissance Office satellite went aloft from Vandenberg AFB's Space Launch Complex 6 on Apr 3, 2012 aboard a Delta 4 Medium+ (5,2) vehicle. Analysts believe this satellite is the second FIA Radar mission, following NROL-41/USA-25/2010-46A. It was quickly picked up by observers in a 1068 x 1107 km x 123.0 deg retrograde orbit. The five-meter-diameter Delta second stage was de-orbited on the first revolution and impacted the ocean south of Australia. The Centaur upper stage performed two ascent burns, followed by a de-orbit burn.
• The spacecraft has been given the cover name USA 234 - implying that the MUOS satellite doesn't get a USA number for some reason.