TiPS (Tether Physics and Survivability satellite) was an experiment that consisted of two end-masses (designated USA 123 and USA 124) connected by a 4-kilometer space tether. The project was funded by the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO).

 

 

launch date	May 12, 1996
launch vehicle	Titan IV
launch site	Vandenberg Air Force Base
orbit	1,010 × 1,032 × 63.4°
mass (at each end of tether)	53 kg