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USA 43 (20202)
COSPAR: 1989-069A | Alt Name: DSCS II F-15
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
September 4, 1989
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Titan 34D/Transtage
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
20202
International Designator
1989-069A
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 21:37:54 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
12.89°
Right Ascension
336.40°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
271.24°
Period
1460.29 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 43
Alternative Name
DSCS II F-15
Type
Payload
Status
Unknown
Owner
AFSSD2/DCA
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 20202U 89069A 26184.90133068 -.00000097 00000-0 00000-0 0 9996
2 20202 12.8905 336.4047 0017800 271.2377 106.1082 0.98610503 25978
Source: Celestrak
Summary
USA 43, also known as DSCS II F-15, is a communication satellite manufactured by TRW and launched on September 4, 1989, from the Air Force Eastern Test Range (AFETR) using a Titan 34D/Transtage launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures 3.6 meters in length with a diameter of 2.7 meters and a span of 4.9 meters. It has a dry mass of 550 kilograms and was launched with a total mass of 600 kilograms. USA 43 is equipped with two X-Band transponders for communication purposes and utilizes solar cells along with batteries for power supply. The satellite employs spin-stabilization technology with despun antennas for its mission, which lasted for approximately five years. It was owned by the AFSSD2/DCA and operated under the purpose of providing communication services.
Physical Characteristics
Length
3.6
Diameter
2.7
Span
4.9
Dry Mass
550
Launch Mass
600
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
DSCS II E-15
Purpose
Communication
Mission
Communication
Manufacturer
TRW
Life Expectancy
5 years
Bus
DSCS II
Configuration
Spin-stabilization, despun antennas
Motor
AOCS
Equipment
2 X-Band transponders
Power System
Solar cells, 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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