Rhyolite and later, Aquacade are reportedly code names for a class of SIGINT reconnaissance satellites operated by the National Reconnaissance Office for the United States Central Intelligence Agency. The program, also known as AFP-720 and AFP-472^[1], remains classified.

It is believed that at least four Rhyolite/Aquacade satellites were launched from Cape Canaveral between June 1970 and April 1978 on Atlas/Agena D launch vehicles. The satellites weigh approximately 700 kg and operated in near-geosynchronous orbits.

The name of the program, originally "Rhyolite", was changed to "Aquacade" in 1975 following the disclosure of the codeword "Rhyolite" in the trial of Christopher Boyce and Andrew Lee.

The Rhyolite/Aquacade satellites, made by TRW, are rumored to have an umbrella-like reflecting dish 20 meters in diameter. They were succeeded by the Magnum/Orion and Mentor (satellite) series of satellites.

Launches

• Rhyolite 1 launched 19 June 1970 (OPS 5346) (1970-046A)
• Rhyolite 2 launched 6 March 1973 (OPS 6063) (1973-013A)
• Aquacade 3 launched 11 December 1977 (OPS 4258) (1977-114A)
• Aquacade 4 launched 7 April 1978 (OPS 8790) (1978-038A)

See also

• Canyon (satellite) a contemporary, near-geosynchronous program with closer ties to the United States Air Force

References

1. ^ http://www.planet4589.org/space/jsr/back/news.509 Jonathan's space report No. 509] (2003-09-18)

• Richelson, Jeffrey T. ed. U.S. Military Uses of Space, 1945-1991 Vol 1, Guide. National Security Archive. 1991.
• SIGINT overview from Federation of American Scientists

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