USA-234
Mission type | Radar imaging |
---|---|
Operator | USNRO |
COSPAR ID | 2012-014A |
SATCATno. | 38109 |
Spacecraft properties | |
Spacecraft type | Topaz |
Manufacturer | Lockheed Martin |
Start of mission | |
Launch date | 3 April 2012, 23:12:57 | UTC
Rocket | Delta IV-M+(5,2)D359 |
Launch site | VandenbergSLC-6 |
Contractor | ULA |
Orbital parameters | |
Reference system | Geocentric |
Regime | Low Earth(retrograde) |
Perigee altitude | 1,107 kilometres (688 mi)[1] |
Apogee altitude | 1,114 kilometres (692 mi)[1] |
Inclination | 123.00 degrees[1] |
Period | 107.35 minutes[1] |
Epoch | 18 January 2015, 16:58:55 UTC[1] |
USA-234,also known asNRO Launch 25orNROL-25,is an Americanreconnaissance satellite,operated by theNational Reconnaissance Office.Launched fromVandenberg Air Force Basein 2012, it has been identified as the secondradar imagingsatellite to be launched as part of theFuture Imagery Architectureprogramme.[2]
USA-234 was launched byUnited Launch Alliance,using aDelta IVcarrier rocket, making its first flight in the Medium+(5,2) configuration.[3]The rocket was launched fromSpace Launch Complex 6at Vandenberg, at 23:12:57 UTC (16:12:57PDT) on 3 April 2012.[4]It was identified as NRO Launch 25, and was the nineteenth flight of a Delta IV; the vehicle was designated Delta 359, and namedElectra.[5]
The satellite's orbit and mission are officially classified; however, it has been located by amateur observers in a 1,096 by 1,079 kilometres (681 by 670 mi) orbit,inclinedat 123 degrees.[6]
References
[edit]- ^abcdePeat, Chris (18 January 2015)."USA 234 - Orbit".Heavens-Above.Retrieved25 January2015.
- ^Krebs, Gunter."FIA-Radar 1, 2, 3, 4".Gunter's Space Page.
- ^Ray, Justin (28 March 2012)."Delta 4 poised for one last 'first flight' milestone".Spaceflight Now.Retrieved9 April2012.
- ^Ray, Justin (4 April 2012)."Delta 4 rocket successfully lofts surveillance satellite".Spaceflight Now.Retrieved9 April2012.
- ^Krebs, Gunter."NROL launches".Gunter's Space Page.
- ^Molczan, Ted (6 April 2012)."NROL-25: search TLE update".Seesat.Retrieved9 April2012.