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USA 59 (20641)
COSPAR: 1990-050A | Alt Name: USA 59
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
June 8, 1990
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC41
Launch Vehicle
Titan 405A
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
20641
International Designator
1990-050A
Epoch
Tue, 30 Jun 2026 22:51:20 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
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Inclination
63.40°
Right Ascension
74.90°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
266.35°
Period
238.97 min
Mean Motion
6.03 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 59
Alternative Name
USA 59
Type
Payload
Status
Unknown
Owner
NRO/NRL
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 20641U 90050A 26181.95231603 -.00000017 00000-0 00000+0 0 9992
2 20641 63.3952 74.8968 4065910 266.3451 47.6573 6.02595026 47162
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite identified by NORAD CAT ID 20641 and OBJECT ID 1990-050A is known as USA 59 or SLDCOM 1, operated by NRO/NRL for communication purposes. It was launched on June 8, 1990, from the Air Force Eastern Test Range (AFETR), Launch Complex 41 (LC41) using a Titan 405A launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of approximately 3 meters in length with a diameter and span of 4 meters each. It carries an UHF transponder as part of its equipment and was manufactured by NRL. The dry mass is 3,000 kg, matching the launch mass. Its shape is cylindrical, and it is classified under the BUS type NOSS B for communication missions. Additional details regarding motor types, power sources, and other specifications are not provided in the data set.
Physical Characteristics
Length
3
Diameter
4
Span
4
Dry Mass
3000
Launch Mass
3000
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
SLDCOM 1
Purpose
Communication
Mission
Communication
Manufacturer
Naval Research Laboratory
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
NOSS B
Configuration
?
Motor
AJ-23-153 ?
Equipment
UHF transponder
Power System
Unknown
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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