Space Brief 6 Nov 2024
Discover the latest in satellite technology with the launch of the world's first wooden satellite, new test materials for the ISS, and significant developments in orbital space debris.
USA 153 (26575)
COSPAR: 2000-065A | Alt Name: DSCS III B-11
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
October 20, 2000
Launch Site
Launch Pad
SLC36A
Launch Vehicle
Atlas IIA
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
26575
International Designator
2000-065A
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 20:58:06 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
11.65°
Right Ascension
35.28°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
53.34°
Period
1436.03 min
Mean Motion
1.00 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
USA 153
Alternative Name
DSCS III B-11
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
AFSMC/DISA
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 26575U 00065A 26184.87368343 -.00000318 00000-0 00000-0 0 9992
2 26575 11.6521 35.2782 0002328 53.3390 282.1608 1.00276247 33099
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The USA 153 satellite, also known as DSCS III B-11, is an American communication satellite designed for defense purposes and was launched on October 20, 2000. 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 900 kg, and it was launched with a mass of 1232 kg from the AFSFL SLC36A launch pad using an Atlas IIA launch vehicle. It features 6 SHF transponders along with one special purpose transponder for both SHF and UHF communication bands. The power source includes two deployable solar arrays and batteries, supporting its mission for approximately ten years post-launch. Manufactured by LMVF, the satellite is owned by AFSMC/DISA and serves as part of a strategic communication network.
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-11
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
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 28 Jul 2025
SpaceX continues its ambitious satellite deployment schedule with two successful Starlink launches in just 24 hours, enhancing global connectivity.
X Report 15 Nov 2024
SpaceX preps for its sixth Starship test flight, moving the Super Heavy rocket to the pad. China's unveils a Starship-like reusable rocket concept, while Starlink expands with 24 new satellites launched.
US Military Likely Jamming Iran Satellite Comms | KeepTrack Space Brief
US military praised for space operations against Iran assessed as jamming or spoofing satellite communications. Electronic warfare effects invisible to orbital tracking data.
Space Brief 2 Mar 2025
Today's brief highlights the successful landing of a private moon mission by Firefly Aerospace, a new simulator for the Spanish Air and Space Force, and the anticipated launch by Europe's Ariane 6. Plus, our Satellite Spotlight features the COSMOS 2484.
The Day Humanity's First Modular Space Station Reached Orbit
Thirty-nine years ago, a Proton rocket carried the core of the Mir space station into orbit, launching an unprecedented era of continuous human presence in space and international cooperation
Space Brief 27 Jul 2025
Busy activities in space: SpaceX's series of Starlink launches dominate the week, while Vega C successfully deploys Earth science satellites.
The Day America Gained New Eyes on Mars
Fifty-six years ago, a revolutionary spacecraft launched toward the Red Planet after being saved from disaster by two quick-thinking technicians who risked their lives to prevent a rocket collapse