Silent Barker is a classified space-based Space Situational Awareness (SSA) system jointly developed by the U.S. Space Force (USSF) and the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO). It was launched in September 2023. The system consists of three satellites designated USA 346, USA 347, and USA 348, which were placed into orbit above geosynchronous Earth orbit (GEO) at a 12-degree inclination. After approximately a year of on-orbit testing, the first series of Silent Barker satellites became operational in early 2025. The system is expected to reach full operational capacity following a planned launch in FY26. Silent Barkers mission differs from the Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program (GSSAP). Silent Barker is focused on wide-area surveillance while GSSAP is responsible for doing characterization to detect anomalies or provide intricate characterization of satellites in geosynchronous orbit. Data collected by Silent Barker is transmitted to classified military users including the USSF's National Space Defense Center and the Combined Space Operations Center, while the NRO operates the satellites. In May, the Space Force increased the value of its recently awarded Andromeda ID/IQ contract from $1.8 billion to more than $6.2 billion to buy the future replacement surveillance spacecraft (SG-XX) for Silent Barker.
Silent Barker Technical Data
Contractors: Not specified in the available information.
Operator/Location: USSF and NRO.
First Launch: Sept. 10, 2023.
IOC: Early 2025.
Launch Vehicle: Atlas V.
Constellation: Three satellites in first series, with more planned.
Active Satellites: • USA 346. Launched in September 2023; active. • USA 347, Launched in September 2023; active. • USA 348. Launched in September 2023; active. Orbit Altitude: Above geosynchronous Earth orbit (GEO) at 12-degree inclination. •GSSAP 5. Launched in 2022, on orbit, active. •GSSAP 6. Launched in 2022, on orbit, active.
Orbit Altitude: Near-geosynchronous at 22,300 miles.