X Report 16 May 2025
Today's brief highlights the launch of United Airlines' Starlink Wi-Fi on passenger flights, updates on Starship development, and SpaceX's push to position Starlink as a GPS alternative in recent FCC discussions.
Launch Date
April 15, 2011
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC3E
Launch Vehicle
Atlas V 411
NORAD ID
37386
International Designator
2011-014A
Decay Date
Unknown
Name
USA 229
Alternative Name
USA 229
Type
Status
Owner
NROC/USN
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
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
Payload
INTRUDER 9
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
Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Today's brief highlights the launch of United Airlines' Starlink Wi-Fi on passenger flights, updates on Starship development, and SpaceX's push to position Starlink as a GPS alternative in recent FCC discussions.
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