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USA 8 (15543)
COSPAR: 1985-010B | Alt Name: USA 8
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
January 24, 1985
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Space Shuttle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
15543
International Designator
1985-010B
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 02:46:42 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
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Inclination
12.62°
Right Ascension
313.38°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
57.76°
Period
1442.58 min
Mean Motion
1.00 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
USA 8
Alternative Name
USA 8
Type
Payload
Status
Unknown
Owner
NRO/SAFSP
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 15543U 85010B 26185.11577172 -.00000031 00000-0 00000-0 0 9990
2 15543 12.6234 313.3777 0127808 57.7632 134.5614 0.99820915 7997
Source: Celestrak
Summary
USA 8, also known as USA 8, is an intelligence satellite launched on January 24, 1985, from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center using a Space Shuttle launch vehicle. The satellite was built by TRW and measures approximately 10.9 meters in length with a diameter of 3.6 meters and a span of 30 meters due to its large dish antenna. It has a dry mass of 2,600 kilograms and launched with a total mass of 2,715 kilograms. The satellite is equipped with solar arrays and batteries for power supply. Its mission includes SIGINT (Signals Intelligence), ELINT (Electronic Intelligence), and COMINT (Communications Intelligence). USA 8 was operated by the National Reconnaissance Office/Special Activities Division of the Department of Defense (NRO/SAFSP) and achieved a lifetime of over 20 years. The satellite's shape consists of a box with a dish antenna and two panels, and it uses a three-axis stabilization system for orientation control.
Physical Characteristics
Length
10.9
Diameter
3.6
Span
30
Dry Mass
2600
Launch Mass
2715
Shape
Box + Dish + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
ORION 1
Purpose
SIGINT, ELINT, COMINT
Mission
SIGINT, ELINT, COMINT
Manufacturer
TRW
Life Expectancy
+20 years (achieved)
Bus
Magnum
Configuration
~ 100 m � Dish Antenna, 3-Axis-Stabilization
Motor
MMBPS
Equipment
?
Power System
Solar arrays, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
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