USA 157 (MILSTAR-2 2) (26715)

COSPAR: 2001-009A | Alt Name: Milstar 4

Image
USA 157 (MILSTAR-2 2) Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

February 27, 2001

Launch Pad

SLC40

Launch Vehicle

Titan 401B/Centaur

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

26715

International Designator

2001-009A

Epoch

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 16:38:36 GMT

Apogee

Calculating...

Perigee

Calculating...

Inclination

11.56°

Right Ascension

19.66°

Eccentricity

Calculating...

Argument of Perigee

178.33°

Period

1436.12 min

Mean Motion

1.00 rev/day

Latitude

Calculating...

Longitude

Calculating...

Altitude

Calculating...

Velocity

Calculating...

Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info

Name

USA 157 (MILSTAR-2 2)

Alternative Name

Milstar 4

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

AFSMC

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 26715U 01009A   26184.69347519  .00000117  00000-0  00000-0 0  9995
2 26715  11.5596  19.6559 0040113 178.3312 183.3039  1.00270118 33114

Source: Celestrak

Summary
USA 157 (MILSTAR-2 2), also known as Milstar 4, is a military communications satellite launched on February 27, 2001, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's SLC40 launch pad using the Titan 401B/Centaur vehicle. The spacecraft measures 15.5 meters in length and has a diameter of 5 meters with a span of 35 meters due to its deployable solar arrays. It carries Milstar DFS-4 payload including LDR, MDR, and Crosslink payloads for communications. With a dry mass of 4200 kilograms and launch mass of 4500 kilograms, the satellite is equipped with batteries for power storage and AOCS (Attitude and Orbit Control System) motors. Manufactured by LMMS, it was operated by AFSMC for its 10-year mission lifespan. The shape of the spacecraft consists of a truss structure combined with antennas for communication purposes.
Physical Characteristics

Length

15.5

Diameter

5

Span

35

Dry Mass

4200

Launch Mass

4500

Shape

Truss + Ant

Radar Cross Section

Unknown

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Milstar DFS-4

Purpose

Comsat

Mission

Comsat

Manufacturer

LMMS

Life Expectancy

10 years

Bus

Milstar

Configuration

Milstar Bus

Motor

AOCS

Equipment

LDR, MDR and Crosslink payloads

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 27 Jun 2025

X Report 27 Jun 2025

SpaceX successfully launched 27 Starlink satellites while facing new competition for its satellite programs, including potential alternatives for the Space Force.

X Report 28 May 2025

X Report 28 May 2025

Today marks significant milestones and setbacks for SpaceX as Starship Flight 9 completes a historic launch but ultimately suffers a loss of control. Additionally, a successful Starlink deployment continues to expand global internet coverage.

Space Force Races to Rebuild Workforce After Civilian Cuts | KeepTrack Space Brief

Space Force Races to Rebuild Workforce After Civilian Cuts | KeepTrack Space Brief

Space Force urgently rebuilds contracting workforce after civilian reductions. Pentagon defense strategy shifts focus to homeland defense. Tom Ainsworth named top Air Force space acquisition officer.

Reentry

Reentry

What happens when space objects come home: the fiery physics of returning from orbit and why predicting where debris lands is so difficult

X Report 15 May 2025

X Report 15 May 2025

SpaceX successfully launched 28 Starlink satellites from Cape Canaveral, while Starship prepares for its ninth test flight next week.

X Report 5 Dec 2024

X Report 5 Dec 2024

SpaceX achieves new milestones with Starlink launches, and Elon Musk's influence is a point of discussion. Telesat makes strides amid Starlink's growing dominance.

Space Brief 17 Jan 2025

Space Brief 17 Jan 2025

Today's brief covers developments involving Space Force officials, Sierra Space's satellite milestone, and Voyager Space's rebranding for national security focus. Additionally, we spotlight the Cosmos 447 satellite.

SpaceX Starfall Reentry Capsule Debuts, X Report 23 Jun 2026

SpaceX Starfall Reentry Capsule Debuts, X Report 23 Jun 2026

SpaceX Starfall reentry capsule debuted June 23: the 2,100 kg disk launched on a Falcon 9 from Cape Canaveral to demo cargo return from orbit.