Word: vela
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Dates: during 1980-1989
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...ferret" satellites, or electronic ears, that can eavesdrop on radio transmissions. In addition, the Pentagon has various scientific satellites, including ones that measure minuscule variations in the earth's gravity, information that helps keep missiles on target. Parked far out in space are the Defense Department's Vela satellites, which watch out for bursts of high-energy radiation that may indicate a nuclear explosion in the atmosphere, or the eruption of a distant celestial body. Under development is a system called Navstar (for Navigation Satellite Timing and Ranging) that will enable nuclear submarines and other vessels to know...
...United States Vela reconnaisance satellite monitored two rapid, bright flashes of light off the coast of South Africa on the night of September 22 which U.S. government analysts attributed to a nuclear explosion. South Africa denied detonating a nuclear device...