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USA 18 (16631)
COSPAR: 1986-014H | Alt Name: USA-18
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
February 9, 1986
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC3E
Launch Vehicle
Atlas H
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
16631
International Designator
1986-014H
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 20:00:02 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
63.30°
Right Ascension
341.73°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
112.85°
Period
103.40 min
Mean Motion
13.93 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 18
Alternative Name
USA-18
Type
Payload
Status
Unknown
Owner
NRO/NRL
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 16631U 86014H 26184.83336006 .00013410 00000-0 82065-3 0 9999
2 16631 63.2961 341.7303 0751928 112.8474 255.3742 13.92624427346670
Source: Celestrak
Summary
USA 18, also known as USA-18, is a satellite with the NORAD catalog ID of 16631 and object identifier 1986-014H. It was launched on February 9, 1986, from the Air Force Western Test Range (AFWTR) using an Atlas H launch vehicle from SLC3E pad. The satellite is part of the NOSS SSU bus type and has a gravity gradient stabilization configuration. Built by MM, it was deployed for ocean surveillance and electronic intelligence (ELINT). It measures 0.9 meters in length, 0.4 meters in diameter, with a span of 10 meters, and its dry mass is 200 kg. The satellite's power system consists of four deployable solar arrays and batteries. Its shape is described as box-like with antennas attached. Launched by NRO/NRL (National Reconnaissance Office/Naval Research Laboratory), the payload it carries is known as PARCAE 8 SSU-3, and its mission remains active from March 1, 1986, onwards.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.9
Diameter
0.4
Span
10
Dry Mass
200
Launch Mass
200
Shape
Box + Ant
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
PARCAE 8 SSU-3
Purpose
Ocean Surveillance, ELINT
Mission
Ocean Surveillance, ELINT
Manufacturer
MM
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
NOSS SSU
Configuration
Gravity gradient stabilized
Motor
?
Equipment
?
Power System
4 deployable 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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