NSSDCA/COSPAR ID: 2016-010A
The satellites are presumably the "FIA-Radar" (Future Imagery Architecture - Radar) radar component of the FIA system. They are the successors of the Lacrosse / Onyx radar satellites. In 2013 information leaked out, which indicates, that the Byman codename is Topaz. No details have been published.
The development contract for the Future Imagery Architecture program, consisting of an optical (FIA-O) and a radar (FIA-R) component, was awarded to Boeing in 1999. After running into massive cost overruns and delays of the delivery date of the FIA-O component, in September 2005 the contract for the electro-optical satellites was cancelled. The FIA-Radar satellite program remained at Boeing.
The first satellite was launched in 2010, at least four years behind the original schedule. The second followed in 2012. According to the leaked 2013 budget, five satellites are planned, before they are succeeded by the Block 2 version.
Launch Date: 2016-02-10
Launch Vehicle: Delta IV
Launch Site: Vandenberg AFB, United States
Questions and comments about this spacecraft can be directed to: Coordinated Request and User Support Office