X Report 23 Nov 2025
SpaceX continues its robust launch cadence with new Starlink deployments and faces challenges in Starship development following the recent damage to its prototype booster.
USA 44 (20203)
COSPAR: 1989-069B | Alt Name: DSCS III A-2
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
September 4, 1989
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Titan 34D/Transtage
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
20203
International Designator
1989-069B
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 23:48:04 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
14.72°
Right Ascension
3.94°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
24.37°
Period
1452.82 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 44
Alternative Name
DSCS III A-2
Type
Payload
Status
Unknown
Owner
AFSSD2/DCA
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 20203U 89069B 26184.99172124 -.00000085 00000-0 00000-0 0 9999
2 20203 14.7246 3.9427 0010663 24.3717 167.5890 0.99117751 25157
Source: Celestrak
Summary
USA 44, also known as DSCS III A-2, is a communication satellite launched on September 4, 1989, from Launch Complex 40 at the Air Force Eastern Test Range (AFETR) using a Titan 34D/Transtage launch vehicle. Manufactured by GEVF, it has a configuration of DSCS-3 Bus with 3-Axis stabilization and measures 2.1 meters in length, 1.9 meters in diameter, and spans 9.5 meters. The satellite had a dry mass of 876 kg and a launch mass of 1148 kg. It is equipped with 6 SHF transponders and 1 special purpose transponder for SHF and UHF communications. Its power source includes two deployable solar arrays and batteries, designed to operate in space for approximately ten years as part of the US Air Force Space Systems Directorate (AFSSD2/DCA) communication mission.
Physical Characteristics
Length
2.1
Diameter
1.9
Span
9.5
Dry Mass
876
Launch Mass
1148
Shape
Box + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
DSCS III A-2
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
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
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