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USA 137 (25148)
COSPAR: 1998-005A | Alt Name: USA 137
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
January 29, 1998
Launch Site
Launch Pad
SLC36A
Launch Vehicle
Atlas IIA
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
25148
International Designator
1998-005A
Decay Date
Unknown
Basic Satellite Info
Name
USA 137
Alternative Name
USA 137
Type
Payload
Status
Non-operational
Owner
NROC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
The satellite USA 137 (OBJECT_ID: 1998-005A) was launched on January 29, 1998, from the Space Launch Complex 36A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using an Atlas IIA launch vehicle. It has a configuration of HS-386 and belongs to the BUS type HS-389. Operated by NROC (National Reconnaissance Office), USA 137 is classified as a comsat/relay satellite with a mission designated QUASAR 11, serving for approximately 8 years. The spacecraft has dimensions of 6 meters in length and 2 meters in diameter with a span of 26 meters, indicating it likely extends solar panels or other appendages during operation. It weighed around 2500 kilograms at launch and had a dry mass of about 2000 kilograms. Power is supplied by body-mounted and drop-skirt solar cells along with batteries. The satellite’s shape is described as box-like with two pan extensions, suggesting it may be designed for optimal solar energy capture or antenna deployment. Manufactured by HSES (Hughes Space and Communications), USA 137 was launched into orbit on the same date its stable orbital parameters were established.
Physical Characteristics
Length
6
Diameter
2
Span
26
Dry Mass
2000
Launch Mass
2500
Shape
Box + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
QUASAR 11
Purpose
Comsat / Relay
Mission
Comsat / Relay
Manufacturer
HSES
Life Expectancy
8 years ?
Bus
HS-389
Configuration
HS-386 ?
Motor
?
Equipment
?
Power System
Solar cells (body mounted and drop-skirt), batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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