USA 9 (15546)

COSPAR: 1985-014A | Alt Name: USA 9
DECAYED

Image
USA 9 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

February 8, 1985

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

SLC4W

Launch Vehicle

Titan 34B

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

15546

International Designator

1985-014A

Decay Date

Unknown

Basic Satellite Info

Name

USA 9

Alternative Name

USA 9

Type

Payload

Status

Unknown

Owner

NRO/SAFSP

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary
USA 9, also known by its NORAD ID 15546 and OBJECT_ID 1985-014A, is a communication satellite launched on February 8, 1985, from the Air Force Western Test Range (AFWTR) at SLC4W using a Titan 34B launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of approximately 7 meters in length and 2.4 meters in diameter with a span of 7 meters, indicating possible deployable structures such as solar panels or antennas. Its dry mass is around 650 kilograms, while the total launch mass was 800 kilograms. USA 9 uses a HS-350 bus (configuration is uncertain) and features body-mounted solar cells and batteries for power generation. The satellite's primary mission and payload are designated as QUASAR 6, focused on communication purposes. It was manufactured by HSES and owned by NRO/SAFSP. Additional details such as specific equipment, motor type, and major events during its operation are not provided in the data set.
Physical Characteristics

Length

7

Diameter

2.4

Span

7

Dry Mass

650

Launch Mass

800

Shape

Cyl + 2 Dish

Radar Cross Section

Unknown

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

QUASAR 6

Purpose

Communication

Mission

Communication

Manufacturer

HSES

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

SDS

Configuration

HS-350 bus ?

Motor

?

Equipment

?

Power System

Solar cells (body mounted), batteries

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

X Report 3 Sep 2025

X Report 3 Sep 2025

SpaceX successfully launched 24 Starlink satellites aboard a brand-new Falcon 9 rocket. The company aims for five missions this week, bolstering its satellite internet constellation.

Space Brief 2 Nov 2024

Space Brief 2 Nov 2024

Today's brief covers a historic milestone for China's space program, the decoding of a simulated alien signal, innovative solutions to address satellite air pollution, and industry shifts driven by major investments and contracts.

X Report 11 Nov 2024

X Report 11 Nov 2024

SpaceX to launch Koreasat-6A on a record-tying Falcon 9 flight, and 24 Starlink satellites later today.

The Day America Gained New Eyes on Mars

The Day America Gained New Eyes on Mars

Fifty-six years ago, a revolutionary spacecraft launched toward the Red Planet after being saved from disaster by two quick-thinking technicians who risked their lives to prevent a rocket collapse

X Report 17 Dec 2024

X Report 17 Dec 2024

SpaceX executes a rapid response GPS mission for the U.S. Space Force, Starlink extends its reach with a beta smartphone connectivity service by T-Mobile, and Starship approaches its seventh launch with readiness milestones.

Space Brief 25 Feb 2025

Space Brief 25 Feb 2025

Today's Space Brief covers imminent launches, new developments in space technology, and strategic military contributions to satellite defense systems.

Space Brief 18 Feb 2025

Space Brief 18 Feb 2025

Today's briefs cover SpaceX landing a Falcon 9 in The Bahamas, first disabled astronaut prepped for a mission, and key company updates from Blue Origin and K2 Space.

Starship All 6 Engines Fire for 60 Seconds Before Flight 13 | KeepTrack X Report

Starship All 6 Engines Fire for 60 Seconds Before Flight 13 | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX ignited all 6 Starship engines for a full minute at Starbase, while a Falcon 9 added 24 more Starlinks from Vandenberg on July 1.