SBSS (USA 216) (37168)

COSPAR: 2010-048A | Alt Name: SBSS 1

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

September 26, 2010

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

SLC8

Launch Vehicle

Minotaur IV

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

37168

International Designator

2010-048A

Epoch

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 20:07:11 GMT

Apogee

Calculating...

Perigee

Calculating...

Inclination

97.73°

Right Ascension

69.60°

Eccentricity

Calculating...

Argument of Perigee

148.60°

Period

94.95 min

Mean Motion

15.17 rev/day

Latitude

Calculating...

Longitude

Calculating...

Altitude

Calculating...

Velocity

Calculating...

Polar Plot

3D Visualization

Basic Satellite Info

Name

SBSS (USA 216)

Alternative Name

SBSS 1

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

AFSMC

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 37168U 10048A   26183.83832242  .00005053  00000-0  24069-3 0  9997

2 37168  97.7310  69.6028 0081660 148.6033 282.4875 15.16649961854844

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The SBSS (USA 216) satellite, also known as SBSS 1, was launched on September 26, 2010, from AFWTR SLC8 using a Minotaur IV launch vehicle. It is owned by the AFSMC and manufactured by BALL/BOSB with a configuration of BCP-2000. The satellite's dimensions are a length of 3 meters, diameter of 2 meters, and span of 10 meters. Its dry mass is 900 kg, and it had a launch mass of 1031 kg. It is equipped with two deployable solar arrays that provide 840 W (EOL) power along with batteries. The satellite's mission and purpose are for space surveillance and has an expected lifetime of 7 years.

Physical Characteristics

Length

Diameter

Span

Dry Mass

900

Launch Mass

1031

Shape

Box + 2 Pan

Radar Cross Section

3.8408

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

SBSS Block 10

Purpose

Space Surveillance

Mission

Space Surveillance

Manufacturer

BALL/BOSB

Life Expectancy

7 years

Bus

BCP-2000

Configuration

BCP-2000

Motor

AOCS

Equipment

Unknown

Power System

2 deployable solar arrays with ITJ cells, 840 W (EOL), 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.

Latitude

Longitude

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.

Vulcan Centaur Launches GSSAP Surveillance Satellites for Space Force | KeepTrack Space Brief

ULA Vulcan Centaur launches USSF-87 with two GSSAP surveillance satellites to near-GEO orbit. NRO expands commercial imaging. Integrate raises $17M for classified platform.

Space Brief 6 Oct 2025

Today's highlights include Firefly's acquisition of SciTec, DARPA's vision for a moon economy, and ESA's new deep space antenna in Australia. Stay updated on the latest in space intelligence and defense technology transformations, plus noteworthy rogue planet phenomena.

Rocket Lab Neutron Targets Q4 2026 Debut, Space Brief 9 May 2026

Rocket Lab Neutron's first launch is targeted for Q4 2026 after a tank test failure, backed by a new 5-launch deal. Plus Globalstar's 1,410 km refresh.

X Report 25 Aug 2025

SpaceX faced delays in launching its 10th Starship test flight while successfully deploying a Cargo Dragon to resupply the ISS, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing collaboration with NASA.

Space Brief 22 Mar 2025

Today's briefing covers a range of critical space industry updates, from Space Force's strategic initiatives to SpaceX's latest launch record and groundbreaking developments in orbital manufacturing.

X Report 5 Feb 2025

SpaceX launches Maxar's high-resolution imaging satellites, Ontario reconsiders its Starlink contract, and the countdown to NASA's Lunar Trailblazer mission begins.

Space Brief 26 Mar 2025

Today's briefing covers the US Space Force's pivotal journeys, emerging hypersonic weaponry, and innovative drone technologies, with a special satellite update featuring Jackal X-1L-001.

Space Brief 8 Jun 2025

A busy day in space as delays hit Boeing's Starliner launch, SpaceX continues its rapid launch cadence, new concerns arise with the discovery of bacteria on the Tiangong space station, and the European Space Agency supports a pivotal Moon mission.