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USA 48 (20355)
COSPAR: 1989-090B | Alt Name: USA 48
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 23, 1989
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39B
Launch Vehicle
Space Shuttle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
20355
International Designator
1989-090B
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 22:53:24 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
16.87°
Right Ascension
340.62°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
116.43°
Period
1429.36 min
Mean Motion
1.01 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 48
Alternative Name
USA 48
Type
Payload
Status
Unknown
Owner
NRO/SAFSP
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 20355U 89090B 26184.95376106 -.00000332 00000-0 00000-0 0 9998
2 20355 16.8742 340.6169 0292837 116.4257 257.5584 1.00744172 7932
Source: Celestrak
Summary
USA 48, also known by its NORAD identifier 20355 and OBJECT_ID 1989-090B, is a Magnum-class satellite launched on November 23, 1989, from Launch Complex 39B at the Kennedy Space Center (AFETR) using a Space Shuttle. The spacecraft has dimensions of approximately 10.9 meters in length and 3.6 meters in diameter with a span of 30 meters due to its dish antenna. It was manufactured by TRW for the National Reconnaissance Office/Space and Missile Systems Center (NRO/SAFSP) and is equipped with solar arrays and batteries for power supply. The satellite weighs about 2715 kg at launch, including a dry mass of 2600 kg. Its primary mission involves SIGINT, ELINT, and COMINT operations, utilizing its ORION 2 payload. USA 48 features a box shape with a dish antenna and two panels, stabilized on three axes to maintain orientation in space. The satellite's operational lifetime has surpassed twenty years.
Physical Characteristics
Length
10.9
Diameter
3.6
Span
30
Dry Mass
2600
Launch Mass
2715
Shape
Box + Dish + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
ORION 2
Purpose
SIGINT, ELINT, COMINT
Mission
SIGINT, ELINT, COMINT
Manufacturer
TRW
Life Expectancy
+20 years (achieved)
Bus
Magnum
Configuration
~ 100 m � Dish Antenna, 3-Axis-Stabilization
Motor
MMBPS
Equipment
?
Power System
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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