USA 12 (16117)

COSPAR: 1985-092C | Alt Name: DSCS III B-5

Image
USA 12 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

October 3, 1985

Launch Pad

LC39A

Launch Vehicle

Space Shuttle

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

16117

International Designator

1985-092C

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 00:30:54 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

14.28°

Right Ascension

346.18°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

126.50°

Period

1454.73 min

Mean Motion

0.99 rev/day

Latitude

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Longitude

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Altitude

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Velocity

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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info

Name

USA 12

Alternative Name

DSCS III B-5

Type

Payload

Status

Unknown

Owner

AFSD/DCA

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 16117U 85092C   26185.02145904  .00000056  00000-0  00000-0 0  9998
2 16117  14.2826 346.1780 0005514 126.4950 243.7648  0.98987428 25895

Source: Celestrak

Summary
The satellite USA 12, also known as DSCS III B-5, was manufactured by GEVF and launched on October 3, 1985, from Launch Pad LC39A at AFETR using a Space Shuttle launch vehicle. It is owned by AFSF/DCA and operated for communication purposes. The satellite has dimensions of 2.1 meters in length, 1.9 meters in diameter, and a span of 9.5 meters. It features a DSCS-3 Bus with 3-axis stabilization and carries equipment including 6 SHF transponders and one special purpose transponder for both SHF and UHF frequencies. The satellite has a dry mass of 893 kg and a launch mass of 1170 kg, powered by two deployable solar arrays and batteries. It was designed to operate for approximately 10 years.
Physical Characteristics

Length

2.1

Diameter

1.9

Span

9.5

Dry Mass

893

Launch Mass

1170

Shape

Box + 2 Pan

Radar Cross Section

Unknown

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

DSCS III B-5

Purpose

Communication

Mission

Communication

Manufacturer

GEVF

Life Expectancy

10 years

Bus

DSCS III

Configuration

DSCS-3 Bus, 3-Axis stabilization

Motor

AOCS

Equipment

6 SHF transponders, 1 special purpose transponder (SHF and UHF)

Power System

2 deployable solar arrays, batteries

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

Map
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