An amateur astronomer, Felix Schöfbänker, has captured rare images of classified US spy satellites, including FIA-Radars and KH-11 optical satellites, revealing details about their structure and behavior. His observations offer insights into the technology behind Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and real-time optical surveillance, as well as a mysterious satellite known as USA 290. Schöfbänker’s work provides a unique glimpse into the world of space-based surveillance, highlighting the contributions of amateur astronomers in revealing the hidden activities of classified satellites.
Amateur Astronomer Captures Rare Images of Mysterious Satellites in Orbit
By Lydia Amazouz
Published on September 21, 2024 08:40
In a rare and remarkable achievement, an amateur astronomer from Austria, Felix Schöfbänker, has captured detailed images of classified US spy satellites using his custom-built telescope. These satellites, part of highly secretive programs operated by the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), include the Future Imagery Architecture (FIA) and KH-11 Kennen series. Schöfbänker’s observations have shed new light on the physical characteristics and behaviors of these satellites, offering insights into technologies typically hidden from public view.
Unveiling the Fia-radar Satellites: A Glimpse Into Synthetic Aperture Radar Technology
The Future Imagery Architecture (FIA) satellites, also known as Topaz, are a series of US spy satellites equipped with Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR). These satellites use radar pulses to create high-resolution images of the Earth's surface, capable of penetrating cloud cover, foliage, and even shallow soil. Schöfbänker's images provided unprecedented details about these spacecraft, which were launched between 2010 and 2018. Using his 14-inch Dobsonian telescope, he captured images that revealed significant details about their structure and capabilities.
Schöfbänker explained his findings in an interview with Space.com, stating, “From my images, I conclude that these satellites have a parabolic mesh antenna which is roughly 12 meters [39 feet] in diameter, and two solar panels with roughly 10 meters [33 feet] of wingspan.” These measurements suggest that the SAR satellites are designed for extended operational capabilities, capable of imaging targets day and night, regardless of weather conditions.
One of the more intriguing aspects of Schöfbänker’s observations was the behavior of the satellite’s antennas. He noted that during his 28 observations, the satellite's SAR antenna appeared to favor one direction, saying, "Only six times the antenna was looking to the left side and 22 times right looking." This directional bias may be linked to the satellite's operational needs, with the antenna adjusting to optimize imaging based on its orbital path and target location.
KH-11 Optical Satellites: High-resolution Real-time Surveillance
In addition to the FIA-Radar satellites, Schöfbänker’s telescope also captured images of the KH-11 Kennen satellites, which are optical reconnaissance satellites equipped with electro-optical sensors. These satellites, developed by Lockheed Martin, use a design similar to the Hubble Space Telescope, but instead of observing distant galaxies, they are used to spy on Earth. The KH-11 series has been in operation since 1976, and there are currently four active satellites in orbit, with the latest being launched in 2021.
Schöfbänker’s analysis of these satellites revealed their remarkable imaging capabilities. "The KH-11s are somewhat similar to the Hubble Space Telescope, but optimized to look down to Earth, instead of studying space," he explained. He also measured the mirror sizes of the different generations of KH-11 satellites, discovering that the older third-generation satellites had mirrors measuring 2.4 meters (8 feet) in diameter, while the newer fourth-generation satellites had mirrors closer to 3 meters (10 feet). These large mirrors allow the satellites to capture images of objects as small as three inches from their orbital altitude.
Schöfbänker further noted the real-time capabilities of the KH-11 series, stating, “The KH-11 was the first to provide real-time intelligence of officials,” a feature that proved critical during events such as the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Six-Day War. This real-time data collection allows intelligence agencies to respond quickly to geopolitical events, making the KH-11 series a cornerstone of modern surveillance.
USA 290: An Unknown Satellite with a Unique Design
One of Schöfbänker’s most intriguing discoveries was a mysterious satellite designated USA 290, which does not match the known design characteristics of either the FIA-Radar or KH-11 satellites. He speculates that this satellite could be another type of reconnaissance spacecraft, potentially part of a different classified program. His images of USA 290 revealed a rectangular panel measuring about 5 meters in length, which stands in contrast to the more cylindrical design of the KH-11 series.
In an interview with Space.com, Schöfbänker shared his thoughts on the unusual design of this satellite. "In July, I managed to get a look at a satellite called 'USA 290' which is suspected of possibly being another KH-11. But my image shows a different kind of design, which doesn’t look like a typical KH-11," he said. This discrepancy in design, combined with the satellite’s non-synchronous orbit, has led him to hypothesize that USA 290 could be used for a different mission than traditional optical reconnaissance.
Schöfbänker suggested several possibilities for the rectangular panel on USA 290, including the idea that it could be a radiator used to cool an infrared imaging system or a phased array antenna designed for signal intelligence. He noted, however, that it is less likely to be a solar panel, as the panel appeared to be fixed, which would make it difficult to track the Sun for power generation. The unique design and orbital characteristics of USA 290 remain a mystery, fueling speculation about its purpose.
The Role of Amateur Astronomers in Uncovering Classified Space Missions
Despite the highly classified nature of these satellites, Schöfbänker believes his observations pose little concern for the governments that operate them. In his view, major spacefaring nations likely have access to more sophisticated imaging technology than what is available to amateur astronomers. He explained, "I don’t think that most countries would be too concerned about amateurs like me imaging their spacecraft, since most big countries have their own observatories dedicated to this kind of imaging."
Nevertheless, Schöfbänker’s work highlights the significant contributions that amateur astronomers can make to space exploration and observation. Using relatively accessible equipment, he has been able to capture images of some of the most secretive and advanced spacecraft in orbit today. His detailed measurements of satellite dimensions and capabilities provide a rare glimpse into the technologies behind modern space-based surveillance.
Through his telescope, Schöfbänker has opened a window into a world typically hidden from view, offering the public a chance to better understand the tools used for intelligence gathering from space. As space-based surveillance continues to evolve, the role of amateur astronomers like Schöfbänker will remain crucial in uncovering the mysteries of the classified satellites orbiting above.