Titan 401A Centaur | Mercury 15

The Mercury (MC) series, although known to the public as 'Advanced Vortex', are the latest generation of USAF ELINT/SIGINT satellites. They were focussed on communications intelligence (COMINT), focused at strategic level communications, but had the capability added to intercept also missile telemetry. These satellites were launched under the designation Program 7500 and were part of NRO's Program A.

Mission Details

  • Launch date: April 24, 1996 at 11:37 PM UTC
  • Launch vehicle: Titan 401A Centaur
  • Operator: United States Air Force
  • Launch site: Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA
  • Mission type: Government/Top Secret