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USA 15 (16591)
COSPAR: 1986-014A | Alt Name: USA-15
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
February 9, 1986
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC3E
Launch Vehicle
Atlas H
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
16591
International Designator
1986-014A
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 02:09:17 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
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Inclination
63.30°
Right Ascension
204.27°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
113.49°
Period
101.72 min
Mean Motion
14.16 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 15
Alternative Name
USA-15
Type
Payload
Status
Unknown
Owner
NRO/NRL
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 16591U 86014A 26185.08978426 .00011836 00000-0 63120-3 0 9991
2 16591 63.2969 204.2682 0657344 113.4895 253.6637 14.15599196110322
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite identified by NORAD CAT ID 16591 and OBJECT ID 1986-014A is known as USA 15 or USA-15, operated by the NRO/NRL. It was launched on February 9, 1986, from AFWTR SLC3E using an Atlas H launch vehicle. This spacecraft has a bus configuration of NOSS MSD and serves as an Ocean Surveillance Launch Dispenser carrying the PARCAE 8 payload. The satellite measures 1.6 meters in length with a diameter of 1.5 meters and spans approximately 2.7 meters, featuring a box-shaped body with antennae. It weighs 559 kilograms both at launch and dry mass. The manufacturer is listed as MM, but details on its equipment, motor type, and power source are not provided.
Physical Characteristics
Length
1.6
Diameter
1.5
Span
2.7
Dry Mass
559
Launch Mass
559
Shape
Box + Ant
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
PARCAE 8
Purpose
Ocean Surveillance Launch Dispenser
Mission
Ocean Surveillance Launch Dispenser
Manufacturer
MM
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
NOSS MSD
Configuration
?
Motor
FW-4D ?
Equipment
?
Power System
Unknown
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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