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USA 78 (21873)
COSPAR: 1992-006A | Alt Name: DSCS III B-14
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
February 11, 1992
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC36A
Launch Vehicle
Atlas II
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
21873
International Designator
1992-006A
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 18:54:57 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
14.83°
Right Ascension
2.57°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
335.85°
Period
1453.92 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 78
Alternative Name
DSCS III B-14
Type
Payload
Status
Unknown
Owner
AFSSD2/DISA
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 21873U 92006A 26184.78817037 -.00000253 00000-0 00000-0 0 9991
2 21873 14.8310 2.5695 0004989 335.8460 194.9314 0.99042757 25355
Source: Celestrak
Summary
USA 78, also known as DSCS III B-14, is a communication satellite launched on February 11, 1992, from LC36A at AFETR using an Atlas II launch vehicle. It has a configuration of the DSCS-3 Bus with 3-axis stabilization and measures 2.1 meters in length, 1.9 meters in diameter, and spans 9.5 meters when fully deployed. The satellite's dry mass is 876 kg and its launch mass was 1148 kg. Equipped with 6 SHF transponders and a special purpose transponder (SHF and UHF), the spacecraft uses two deployable solar arrays for power generation along with batteries. It operates under the ownership of AFSSD2/DISA for communication purposes, featuring AOCS motor stabilization. Manufactured by GEVF, USA 78 has an expected lifetime of 10 years and a shape described as "Box + 2 Pan."
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 B-14
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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