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USA 22 (17997)
COSPAR: 1987-043A | Alt Name: USA-22
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 15, 1987
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC3E
Launch Vehicle
Atlas H
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
17997
International Designator
1987-043A
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 03:14:51 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
63.29°
Right Ascension
145.90°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
108.40°
Period
101.89 min
Mean Motion
14.13 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
USA 22
Alternative Name
USA-22
Type
Payload
Status
Unknown
Owner
NRO/NRL
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 17997U 87043A 26185.13531358 .00015189 00000-0 75489-3 0 9996
2 17997 63.2921 145.9027 0676808 108.4009 259.1827 14.13260897108883
Source: Celestrak
Summary
USA 22, also known as USA-22, is an Ocean Surveillance Launch Dispenser satellite operated by NRO/NRL and manufactured by MM. It was launched on May 15, 1987, from AFWTR SLC3E using the Atlas H launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 1.6 meters in length, 1.5 meters in diameter, and a span of 2.7 meters. Its dry mass is 559 kilograms, matching its launch mass. The spacecraft's shape is described as Box + Ant with an unknown configuration, equipment, and motor type (FW-4D?). It carries the PARCAE 9 payload for ocean surveillance purposes but lacks specified details on power supply or transmitter frequencies.
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 9
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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