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USA 55 (20547)
COSPAR: 1990-028B | Alt Name: USA 55
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 5, 1990
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
RW04/22
Launch Vehicle
Pegasus
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
20547
International Designator
1990-028B
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 10:26:05 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
94.09°
Right Ascension
152.61°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
72.28°
Period
93.25 min
Mean Motion
15.44 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 55
Alternative Name
USA 55
Type
Payload
Status
Unknown
Owner
DARPA/USN
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 20547U 90028B 26184.43478489 .00006980 00000-0 14313-3 0 9993
2 20547 94.0893 152.6072 0057773 72.2788 288.4762 15.44281709 4371
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The USA 55 satellite, also known by its alternate name, was launched on April 5, 1990, from Vandenberg Air Force Base using a Pegasus launch vehicle. This experimental communication satellite has the GLOMR Bus configuration, described as a 62-sided polyhedron with unstabilized body-mounted solar cells for power generation. It measures 0.4 meters in length, diameter, and span, with a dry mass of 68 kg. The satellite was manufactured by DSI on behalf of DARPA/USN and is equipped with two UHF transponders for digital store-and-forward communications. Its primary mission was to conduct experimental communication tasks, lasting approximately 3.5 years in orbit.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.4
Diameter
0.4
Span
0.4
Dry Mass
68
Launch Mass
68
Shape
Poly
Radar Cross Section
0.169
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
SECS
Purpose
Experimental communication
Mission
Experimental communication
Manufacturer
DSI
Life Expectancy
3.5 years
Bus
GLOMR
Configuration
GLOMR Bus (62-sided polyhedron, unstabilized, body mounted solar cells)
Motor
None
Equipment
2 UHF transponders digital store and forward communications system
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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