An amateur astronomer from Austria claims he has captured images of a fleet of classified US spy satellites. Felix Schöfbänker used a telescope designed to track and photograph satellites to observe details about these secretive spacecraft. The satellites, known as the “Future Imagery Architecture” (FIA) or Topaz, are reportedly operated by a covert Department of Defense agency.
They are designed to provide high-definition imaging of targets on the ground 24 hours a day, aiding in the hunt for international terrorists and drug lords. Schöfbänker’s observations revealed previously unknown or speculated details about the FIA-Radars, launched between 2010 and 2018. He concluded that these satellites have a parabolic mesh antenna roughly 12 meters (39 feet) in diameter and two solar panels with a wingspan of around 10 meters (33 feet).
He also identified a bright object between the solar panels, which he interpreted as an up-and-down-link antenna. The FIA-Radars are equipped with Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology, enabling them to beam radar through clouds, foliage, and shallow soil.
Felix Schöfbänker’s satellite observations
SAR sends microwave pulses to the Earth’s surface and measures the reflected signals. In addition to the FIA-Radars, Schöfbänker observed several KH-11 satellites, the first to provide real-time intelligence. Developed by Lockheed Martin, these satellites convert light into electronic signals and use a seven-foot prime mirror to identify objects as small as three inches across.
The KH-11 series has been operational since December 1976, providing vital observations during events like the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Six-Day War. Schöfbänker also noted a mysterious satellite, potentially a USA 290, which he suggests could be an unknown type kept under wraps by officials. He determined that this satellite featured a 16-foot-long panel and an overall size of approximately 31 feet.
On July 20, Schöfbänker uploaded a timelapse of a satellite on his website, potentially capturing one of the most secretive spacecraft in America’s arsenal. His meticulous observations and captured images offer a rare glimpse into the tightly held secrets of the Pentagon’s satellite operations.
