# Orion 9

> American signals intelligence satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q26059365](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q26059365)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA-268)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/orion-9

## Summary
Orion 9 is an American signals intelligence satellite operated by the National Reconnaissance Office, launched on June 11, 2016 from Cape Canaveral using a Delta IV Heavy rocket.

## Key Facts
- Orion 9 is a signals intelligence satellite operated by the National Reconnaissance Office
- It was launched on June 11, 2016 at 17:51 from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 37B
- The launch vehicle was a Delta IV Heavy rocket
- Its COSPAR and NSSDCA identifier is 2016-036A
- It has aliases including NROL-37, USA-268, and RIO 9
- The launch contractor was United Launch Alliance
- It is part of the Orion program

## FAQs
### Q: What is Orion 9?
A: Orion 9 is an American signals intelligence satellite operated by the National Reconnaissance Office, launched in 2016.

### Q: When was Orion 9 launched?
A: Orion 9 was launched on June 11, 2016 at 17:51 from Cape Canaveral.

### Q: What type of satellite is Orion 9?
A: Orion 9 is a signals intelligence satellite used for intelligence gathering.

## Why It Matters
Orion 9 represents a critical component of the United States' signals intelligence capabilities, providing crucial surveillance and monitoring of communications and electronic signals. As part of the Orion program, it contributes to national security by enabling the National Reconnaissance Office to gather intelligence from space, supporting military operations and global security monitoring. The satellite's advanced technology allows for comprehensive monitoring of communications networks, helping to detect and analyze potential threats to national security.

## Notable For
- Operated by the National Reconnaissance Office as part of the Orion program
- Launched using the Delta IV Heavy rocket, a powerful expendable launch system
- Has multiple official designations including NROL-37 and USA-268
- Represents the latest generation of signals intelligence satellites in the Orion series
- Utilizes advanced signals intelligence technology for comprehensive electronic monitoring

## Body
### Technical Specifications
Orion 9 is classified as a signals intelligence satellite, designed specifically for intelligence gathering purposes. The satellite operates in a geosynchronous orbit and is equipped with sophisticated receivers and processors capable of intercepting and analyzing communications signals from around the world.

### Launch Details
The launch of Orion 9 occurred on June 11, 2016, from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 37B. The Delta IV Heavy rocket, provided by United Launch Alliance, successfully placed the satellite into orbit. The launch was part of the NRO Launch 37 mission, with the satellite designated as USA-268.

### Operational Status
As a signals intelligence satellite, Orion 9 is designed for long-term operation, providing continuous monitoring capabilities. The National Reconnaissance Office operates and maintains the satellite, ensuring it remains operational and effective in its intelligence gathering mission.

### Program Context
Orion 9 is part of the broader Orion program, which includes multiple generations of signals intelligence satellites. The program has evolved over decades to provide increasingly sophisticated capabilities for monitoring global communications and electronic signals. The satellite represents the latest advancement in this technology, incorporating modern processing and analysis capabilities.

### Technical Capabilities
The satellite is equipped with advanced signal processing systems capable of intercepting and analyzing a wide range of communications frequencies. Its design allows for real-time processing and transmission of intelligence data back to ground stations for analysis by intelligence agencies. The system includes multiple antennas and receivers optimized for different frequency bands and signal types.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report