# Parcae 13B

> American military ocean surveillance and SIGINT satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q111498906](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q111498906)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/parcae-13b

## Summary
Parcae 13B is an American military ocean surveillance and SIGINT satellite launched in 1996 as part of the Naval Ocean Surveillance System. It was designed to monitor naval activities and gather intelligence through signals detection capabilities.

## Key Facts
- Parcae 13B (also known as USA-120, NOSS-2 4B, or Mission 7120B) was launched on May 12, 1996, at 21:32:00 UTC.
- The satellite was part of the Naval Ocean Surveillance System, a series of U.S. Navy signals intelligence satellites.
- Parcae 13B was launched using a Titan IV (K-22) rocket from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East.
- The satellite was operated by both the National Reconnaissance Office and the United States Navy.
- Parcae 13B was manufactured by Lockheed Corporation and Martin Marietta companies.
- It has a COSPAR ID of 1996-029B and an SCN of 23907.
- The satellite operates in low Earth orbit, specialized for naval surveillance and intelligence gathering.
- Parcae 13B belongs to the signals intelligence satellite class of military satellites.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary purpose of Parcae 13B?
A: Parcae 13B was designed as a signals intelligence satellite focused on ocean surveillance, primarily to detect and monitor naval ship communications and movements.

### Q: When and how was Parcae 13B launched?
A: Parcae 13B was launched on May 12, 1996, at 21:32:00 UTC from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East using a Titan IV rocket (K-22 variant).

### Q: Which organizations operated Parcae 13B?
A: Parcae 13B was jointly operated by the National Reconnaissance Office and the United States Navy as part of the Naval Ocean Surveillance System.

### Q: What makes Parcae 13B part of the Naval Ocean Surveillance System?
A: Parcae 13B specifically belongs to the Naval Ocean Surveillance System, which is a series of U.S. Navy satellites designed to gather intelligence through signals detection capabilities focused on naval activities.

### Q: Was Parcae 13B launched with other satellites?
A: Yes, Parcae 13B was part of a launch that included five satellites: TiPS 1a, TiPS 1b, SLDCOM 4, Parcae 13A, and Parcae 13C, all launched together on the same mission.

## Why It Matters
Parcae 13B represents a critical component of the United States' naval intelligence capabilities during the 1990s and beyond. As part of the Naval Ocean Surveillance System, it provided the U.S. military with unprecedented capabilities to monitor naval activities across global waters, enhancing national security and maritime awareness. The satellite's signals intelligence gathering capabilities allowed for tracking naval movements, intercepting communications, and maintaining strategic advantages in oceanic domains. This technology played a crucial role in Cold War and post-Cold War naval operations, contributing to the U.S. Navy's ability to maintain situational awareness and respond to potential threats.

## Notable For
- Parcae 13B was part of the Naval Ocean Surveillance System, a specialized signals intelligence program specifically designed for naval surveillance rather than general intelligence gathering.
- The satellite was launched as part of a multi-satellite deployment alongside four other satellites (TiPS 1a, TiPS 1b, SLDCOM 4, Parcae 13A, and Parcae 13C), demonstrating a complex launch strategy for comprehensive coverage.
- Parcae 13B utilized the powerful Titan IV rocket, one of the largest launch vehicles in the U.S. inventory at the time, indicating the importance and complexity of the mission.
- The satellite belongs to the "Improved Parcae" variant, suggesting technological advancements over earlier versions in the Naval Ocean Surveillance System.
- Parcae 13B was operated jointly by both the National Reconnaissance Office and the United States Navy, reflecting the interagency coordination typical of advanced military satellite programs.

## Body
### Technical Specifications
Parcae 13B has the COSPAR ID 1996-029B and SCN 23907, serving as unique identifiers for tracking and cataloging the satellite. The satellite was manufactured by Lockheed Corporation and Martin Marietta, two major aerospace companies that contributed to its technical development and construction. It was designed as an improved variant within the Parcae series, also referred to as "Improved Parcae 13B" and "Improved Parcae 4 SSU-2" in alternative naming conventions.

### Mission and Launch Details
Parcae 13B was launched on May 12, 1996, at 21:32:00 UTC from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East. The launch vehicle used was a Titan IV (K-22 variant), one of the most powerful rockets available at the time for military satellite deployments. The satellite was deployed alongside four other satellites: TiPS 1a, TiPS 1b, SLDCOM 4, Parcae 13A, and Parcae 13C, all part of the same mission designated as Mission 7120B.

### Operational Context
Parcae 13B operated as part of the Naval Ocean Surveillance System, a series of U.S. Navy satellites focused on signals intelligence gathering specifically for naval monitoring purposes. The satellite was jointly operated by the National Reconnaissance Office and the United States Navy, reflecting the collaborative nature of advanced military satellite operations. The satellite's orbit was in low Earth orbit, which is typical for signals intelligence satellites requiring close proximity to targets for effective signal collection.

### Classification and Purpose
Parcae 13B belongs to the class of signals intelligence satellites, which are military satellites focused on intelligence gathering through signal interception and analysis. Its specific designation as an ocean surveillance satellite indicates it was designed to monitor naval activities, detect ship communications, and track maritime movements. This specialized capability distinguishes it from more general-purpose intelligence satellites, making it a critical asset for naval security and maritime domain awareness.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/noss-2.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report