X Report 28 Nov 2024
SpaceX advances with Starship, gains FCC approval for new services, and predicts a future shift in spacecraft dominance.
USA 3 (15071)
COSPAR: 1984-065C | Alt Name: USA 3
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
June 25, 1984
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC4E
Launch Vehicle
Titan 34D
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
15071
International Designator
1984-065C
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 01:47:43 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
95.88°
Right Ascension
50.39°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
264.77°
Period
95.09 min
Mean Motion
15.14 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
USA 3
Alternative Name
USA 3
Type
Payload
Status
Unknown
Owner
NRO/SAFSP
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 15071U 84065C 26185.07481333 .00005646 00000-0 31056-3 0 9997
2 15071 95.8803 50.3867 0001720 264.7652 95.3388 15.14326266117674
Source: Celestrak
Summary
USA 3, also known by its OBJECT_ID 1984-065C, is an intelligence satellite belonging to the US National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) and Strategic Air Force Space Program (SAFSP). It was launched on June 25, 1984, from AFWTR SLC4E using a Titan 34D launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 1.5 meters in length, 0.4 meters in diameter, and a span of 1.5 meters, with a dry mass of 390 kilograms and a launch mass of 400 kilograms. It utilizes solar cells and batteries for power and is equipped with the P-11 No. 4434 payload for ELINT (Electronic Intelligence) and SIGINT (Signals Intelligence) missions. The satellite's shape consists of a box structure with antennas, powered by a kick motor as part of its configuration on the SSU D bus.
Physical Characteristics
Length
1.5
Diameter
0.4
Span
1.5
Dry Mass
390
Launch Mass
400
Shape
Box + Ant
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
P-11 No. 4434
Purpose
ELINT, SIGINT
Mission
ELINT, SIGINT
Manufacturer
LMSC
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
SSU D
Configuration
P-11 bus
Motor
Kick motor
Equipment
?
Power System
Solar cells, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
X Report 3 Jan 2025
SpaceX's pivotal role in setting a new global launch record and the upcoming launch of the Thuraya 4-NGS satellite are spotlighted today.
Space Brief 4 Sep 2024
Today's brief highlights SpaceX's Starlink launch, the sale of Telesat's remote communications services, advancements in hypersonic missile tracking, and more on satellite imagery from the NGA.
Space Brief 7 Jun 2025
Today's brief covers the latest in satellite launches, military implications in space funding, and notable reentry delays.
Space Brief 4 Feb 2025
Today's brief covers the expansion of the U.S. missile defense shield, a new contract for Viasat from the U.S. Space Force, and the Missile Defense Agency's call for innovative Iron Dome concepts.
Reentry
What happens when space objects come home: the fiery physics of returning from orbit and why predicting where debris lands is so difficult
Space Brief 14 Jun 2025
Today's space news roundup highlights a significant defense bill passed for the Space Force, a delay in the Axiom-4 mission due to ISS issues, and major satellite deals with NATO.
X Report 12 Nov 2025
SpaceX breaks records with its 94th launch of the year while planning to ramp up Starship production to unprecedented levels.