USA 173 (28095)

COSPAR: 2003-054A | Alt Name: USA 173
DECAYED

Image
USA 173 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

December 2, 2003

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

SLC3E

Launch Vehicle

Atlas IIAS

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

28095

International Designator

2003-054A

Decay Date

Unknown

Basic Satellite Info

Name

USA 173

Alternative Name

USA 173

Type

Payload

Status

Non-operational

Owner

NROC/USN

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary
The USA 173 satellite, also known as NOSS-3 and designated OBJECT_ID 2003-054A, was launched on December 2, 2003, from AFWTR SLC3E using an Atlas IIAS launch vehicle. It has dimensions of approximately 2 meters in length, diameter, and span. The satellite weighs around 1000 kilograms at launch and is owned by NROC/USN for missions related to ocean surveillance and electronic intelligence (ELINT). Its payload, referred to as INTRUDER 3, is powered by solar arrays and batteries. Manufactured by LMSSD, the cylindrical-shaped USA 173 has a mission focused on monitoring activities in the ocean and collecting electronic intelligence data.
Physical Characteristics

Length

2

Diameter

2

Span

2

Dry Mass

1000

Launch Mass

1000

Shape

Cyl

Radar Cross Section

Unknown

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

INTRUDER 3

Purpose

Ocean Surveillance, ELINT

Mission

Ocean Surveillance, ELINT

Manufacturer

LMSSD

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

NOSS-3

Configuration

?

Motor

?

Equipment

?

Power System

Solar arrays, batteries

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

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