# Parcae 13C

> American military ocean surveillance and SIGINT satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q136089416](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q136089416)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/parcae-13c

## Summary
Parcae 13C is an American military signals intelligence (SIGINT) satellite launched on May 12, 1996, as part of the Naval Ocean Surveillance System (NOSS). It was built by Lockheed Corporation and Martin Marietta and operated by the National Reconnaissance Office and the U.S. Navy. The satellite was launched aboard a Titan IV rocket from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East.

## Key Facts
- **Type**: Signals intelligence (SIGINT) satellite
- **Launch Date**: May 12, 1996, at 21:32:00 UTC
- **Launch Vehicle**: Titan IV (model K-22)
- **Launch Site**: Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East
- **Orbit**: Low Earth orbit
- **Manufacturer**: Lockheed Corporation and Martin Marietta
- **Operators**: National Reconnaissance Office and United States Navy
- **Part of**: Naval Ocean Surveillance System (NOSS)
- **COSPAR ID**: 1996-029C
- **Aliases**: USA-121, Improved Parcae 13C, Improved Parcae 4 SSU-3, NOSS-2 4C, Mission 7120C

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Parcae 13C?
A: Parcae 13C was a military signals intelligence (SIGINT) satellite designed to gather intelligence data, particularly for ocean surveillance, as part of the Naval Ocean Surveillance System (NOSS).

### Q: Who launched Parcae 13C?
A: Parcae 13C was launched by the United States Navy, with the National Reconnaissance Office overseeing its operation.

### Q: What rocket was used to launch Parcae 13C?
A: The satellite was launched aboard a Titan IV rocket, specifically the K-22 variant, from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East.

### Q: What other satellites were launched alongside Parcae 13C?
A: Alongside Parcae 13C, the Titan IV rocket also launched the TiPS 1a, TiPS 1b, SLDCOM 4, Parcae 13A, and Parcae 13B satellites on May 12, 1996.

### Q: What is the significance of the Naval Ocean Surveillance System (NOSS)?
A: The Naval Ocean Surveillance System (NOSS) is a series of U.S. Navy signals intelligence satellites designed for ocean surveillance and intelligence gathering, with Parcae 13C being one of its components.

## Why It Matters
Parcae 13C played a crucial role in the Naval Ocean Surveillance System (NOSS), a program dedicated to gathering signals intelligence for military purposes. As part of the NOSS, the satellite contributed to ocean surveillance and intelligence gathering, supporting U.S. military operations. Its launch aboard the Titan IV rocket marked a significant event in the history of military space technology, alongside other satellites like TiPS 1a and SLDCOM 4. The satellite's operation by the National Reconnaissance Office and the U.S. Navy underscores its importance in national security and strategic intelligence.

## Notable For
- **Part of the NOSS**: Parcae 13C was a key component of the Naval Ocean Surveillance System, a dedicated military intelligence satellite program.
- **Titan IV Launch**: The satellite was launched aboard the Titan IV rocket, a powerful U.S. Air Force launch vehicle.
- **Co-launch with Other Satellites**: Parcae 13C shared a launch with several other satellites, including TiPS 1a, TiPS 1b, and SLDCOM 4.
- **SIGINT Capabilities**: As a SIGINT satellite, Parcae 13C was designed for intelligence gathering, particularly for ocean surveillance.
- **Operated by NRO and U.S. Navy**: The satellite was operated by both the National Reconnaissance Office and the U.S. Navy, reflecting its dual military and naval intelligence role.

## Body
### Overview
Parcae 13C is a signals intelligence (SIGINT) satellite developed as part of the Naval Ocean Surveillance System (NOSS). It was launched on May 12, 1996, aboard a Titan IV rocket from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East. The satellite was built by Lockheed Corporation and Martin Marietta and operated by the National Reconnaissance Office and the U.S. Navy.

### Launch and Deployment
- **Launch Date**: May 12, 1996, at 21:32:00 UTC
- **Launch Vehicle**: Titan IV (K-22 variant)
- **Launch Site**: Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East
- **Co-launched Satellites**: TiPS 1a, TiPS 1b, SLDCOM 4, Parcae 13A, Parcae 13B

### Technical Specifications
- **Orbit**: Low Earth orbit
- **Manufacturer**: Lockheed Corporation and Martin Marietta
- **COSPAR ID**: 1996-029C

### Role and Significance
- **Part of NOSS**: Parcae 13C was a component of the Naval Ocean Surveillance System, a series of U.S. Navy satellites for intelligence gathering.
- **SIGINT Focus**: The satellite was designed for signals intelligence, particularly for ocean surveillance.
- **Operators**: National Reconnaissance Office and United States Navy

### Aliases and Identifiers
- **Aliases**: USA-121, Improved Parcae 13C, Improved Parcae 4 SSU-3, NOSS-2 4C, Mission 7120C
- **Country of Origin**: United States

## References

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