Space Brief 29 May 2025
Today's brief covers a Japanese military satellite launch, new GPS satellite orders by the Space Force, and a Moog propulsion system contract, among other notable developments.
Launch Date
January 20, 2011
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC6
Launch Vehicle
Delta 4H
NORAD ID
37348
International Designator
2011-002A
Decay Date
Unknown
Name
USA 224
Alternative Name
USA 224
Type
Status
Owner
NROC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Length
10
Diameter
3.1
Span
10
Dry Mass
10500
Launch Mass
14000
Shape
Cyl + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Payload
Enhanced CRYSTAL 2109
Purpose
Reconnaissance, electro-optical
Mission
Reconnaissance, electro-optical
Manufacturer
LMSS/NGAS
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
IC
Configuration
Bus-1
Motor
Bus-1
Equipment
?
Power System
Deployable solar arrays, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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