USA 148 (26052)

COSPAR: 2000-001A | Alt Name: DSCS III B-8

Image
USA 148 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

January 21, 2000

Launch Pad

SLC36A

Launch Vehicle

Atlas IIA

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

26052

International Designator

2000-001A

Epoch

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 13:32:36 GMT

Apogee

Calculating...

Perigee

Calculating...

Inclination

11.93°

Right Ascension

32.33°

Eccentricity

Calculating...

Argument of Perigee

32.75°

Period

1452.94 min

Mean Motion

0.99 rev/day

Latitude

Calculating...

Longitude

Calculating...

Altitude

Calculating...

Velocity

Calculating...

Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info

Name

USA 148

Alternative Name

DSCS III B-8

Type

Payload

Status

Non-operational

Owner

AFSMC/DISA

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 26052U 00001A   26183.56430632 -.00000031  00000-0  00000+0 0  9999
2 26052  11.9300  32.3319 0005636  32.7467 326.3677  0.99109645 33060

Source: Celestrak

Summary
USA 148, also known as DSCS III B-8, is a communication satellite launched by the United States on January 21, 2000, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using an Atlas IIA launch vehicle from SLC36A. The spacecraft has dimensions of 2.1 meters in length and 1.9 meters in diameter with a span of 9.5 meters when deployed. It had a launch mass of 1232 kilograms, with a dry mass of 900 kilograms. Equipped with a DSCS-3 bus and featuring 3-axis stabilization for its attitude control system (AOCS), the satellite is capable of supporting communication missions through its payload that includes six SHF transponders and one special purpose transponder covering SHF and UHF frequencies. Its power supply comes from two deployable solar arrays complemented by batteries. The mission's expected lifetime was 10 years, aimed at fulfilling communication purposes under the ownership of AFSMC/DISA.
Physical Characteristics

Length

2.1

Diameter

1.9

Span

9.5

Dry Mass

900

Launch Mass

1232

Shape

Box + 2 Pan

Radar Cross Section

Unknown

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

DSCS III B-8

Purpose

Communication

Mission

Communication

Manufacturer

LMVF

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
This tool will help you track the satellite's position and predict its upcoming passes over your location. Simply input the coordinates or click the geolocation button to get started.
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

X Report 22 Dec 2024

X Report 22 Dec 2024

SpaceX successfully launches two rideshare missions to mid-inclination orbits, expanding their satellite deployment capabilities.

X Report 18 Aug 2025

X Report 18 Aug 2025

SpaceX's 100th Falcon 9 mission successfully launched 24 Starlink satellites, continuing to expand its broadband constellation.

SpaceX Launches GPS Satellite in Third Mission Reassigned From ULA | KeepTrack Space Brief

SpaceX Launches GPS Satellite in Third Mission Reassigned From ULA | KeepTrack Space Brief

SpaceX launches GPS satellite for Space Force — third consecutive GPS mission reassigned from ULA. Space Force nears selection of next-gen GEO spy satellite contractors. Northwood Space lands $49M deal.

NRO Expands Commercial Satellite Role to Military Tracking | KeepTrack Space Brief

NRO Expands Commercial Satellite Role to Military Tracking | KeepTrack Space Brief

NRO awards three commercial satellite contracts, expanding scope to dynamic military target tracking. Former NASA chief Bridenstine joins Quantum Space for cislunar operations.

New Glenn Explodes at LC-36, Grounded Over 1 Year | KeepTrack Space Brief

New Glenn Explodes at LC-36, Grounded Over 1 Year | KeepTrack Space Brief

Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket exploded at Cape Canaveral's LC-36, causing visible pad damage and a year-plus grounding. NASA lunar plans affected.

X Report 7 Jun 2025

X Report 7 Jun 2025

SpaceX successfully launched the SXM-10 satellite for SiriusXM and prepares for the Ax-4 mission to the ISS amid political tensions involving Elon Musk and President Trump.

Air Force Selects General Atomics, Anduril for CCA Wingmen | KeepTrack Space Brief

Air Force Selects General Atomics, Anduril for CCA Wingmen | KeepTrack Space Brief

Air Force awards CCA contracts to General Atomics and Anduril for autonomous fighter wingmen. Autonomy layer split across Anduril, Shield AI, and Collins Aerospace.

Space Brief 11 Aug 2025

Space Brief 11 Aug 2025

Today's briefing highlights major advancements in tactical satellite communications for military applications, the expansion of an IoT satellite constellation by China's Geespace, and significant developments in lunar communications and surveillance systems.