RME (USA 52) (20497)

COSPAR: 1990-015B | Alt Name: RME
DECAYED

Image
RME (USA 52) Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

February 14, 1990

Launch Pad

LC17B

Launch Vehicle

Delta 6920-8

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

20497

International Designator

1990-015B

Decay Date

5/24/1992

Basic Satellite Info

Name

RME (USA 52)

Alternative Name

RME

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

SDIO

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary
RME (USA 52), identified by NORAD_CAT_ID 20497 and OBJECT_ID 1990-015B, is a satellite manufactured by BALL for the SDIO under the mission of conducting SDI experiments. Launched on February 14, 1990, from Launch Pad LC17B at AFETR using the Delta 6920-8 launch vehicle, RME has dimensions of 1.6 meters in length, diameter, and span with a dry mass of 1000 kg. The satellite is powered by solar cells and batteries and features a dodecahedral cylindrical shape with a radar cross-section (RCS) of 4.28 square meters. RME's purpose aligns with its mission to conduct SDI experiments, though specific details on its configuration, equipment, motor type, and other specifications are not provided.
Physical Characteristics

Length

1.6

Diameter

1.6

Span

1.6

Dry Mass

1000

Launch Mass

1000

Shape

Dodec Cyl

Radar Cross Section

4.28

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

RME

Purpose

SDI Experiments

Mission

SDI Experiments

Manufacturer

BALL

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

RME

Configuration

Unknown

Motor

?

Equipment

Unknown

Power System

Solar cells, batteries

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

Space Brief 1 Apr 2025

Space Brief 1 Apr 2025

Today's brief covers the U.S. Space Force's orbital carrier initiative, ULA Vulcan's approval for military launches, Rocket Lab's new contract with the Space Force, integrated data layers for military command, and advances in tactical surveillance.

The End of Free Skies | FAA Starts Charging for Rocket Launches

The End of Free Skies | FAA Starts Charging for Rocket Launches

On April 22, 2026, the FAA published a final rule implementing per-launch user fees for commercial space transportation — the first time the U.S. government has charged payload-based fees for rocket launches. Starting at 25 cents per pound with a $30,000 cap, the fees are modest today. By 2033, they won't be.

Space Brief 18 Dec 2024

Space Brief 18 Dec 2024

Today's highlights include SpaceX's rapid response GPS launch, Raytheon's new rocket motor test, and Starlink's revenue surge. Plus, the Space Force's modernization push.

X Report 2 Apr 2025

X Report 2 Apr 2025

SpaceX's Fram2 mission marks a historic first in polar orbit travel, while DARPA unexpectedly detects Falcon 9 reentry using atmospheric listening.

Starship All 6 Engines Fire for 60 Seconds Before Flight 13 | KeepTrack X Report

Starship All 6 Engines Fire for 60 Seconds Before Flight 13 | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX ignited all 6 Starship engines for a full minute at Starbase, while a Falcon 9 added 24 more Starlinks from Vandenberg on July 1.

Space Brief 10 Nov 2025

Space Brief 10 Nov 2025

Today's brief covers China's record-breaking launch year, SpaceX's continued Starlink deployments, Blue Origin's launch challenges, and innovations in satellite maneuverability.

X Report 24 Aug 2025

X Report 24 Aug 2025

SpaceX successfully launched its CRS-33 Dragon cargo mission to the ISS, while preparations for the upcoming Starship Flight 10 continue, highlighting significant advancements in both cargo operations and test flight reliability.

Growing Threat of Space Junk

Growing Threat of Space Junk

Over 27,000 high-speed pieces of space junk now threaten vital satellites, requiring sophisticated tracking and urgent innovation of orbital debris removal methods like harpoons and nets.