USA 234 (38109)

COSPAR: 2012-014A | Alt Name: USA 234
DECAYED

Image
USA 234 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

April 3, 2012

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

SLC6

Launch Vehicle

Delta 4M+(5,2)

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

38109

International Designator

2012-014A

Decay Date

Unknown

Basic Satellite Info

Name

USA 234

Alternative Name

USA 234

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

NROC

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary
The USA 234 satellite, also known as TOPAZ 2, is operated by NROC and was launched on April 3, 2012, from AFWTR SLC6 using a Delta 4M+(5,2) launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 4 meters in length and diameter with a span of 15 meters. The satellite's dry mass is 5000 kg and its launch mass was 7000 kg. Its mission involves reconnaissance and radar operations, and it is equipped with the FIA Radar bus for this purpose. The shape of the satellite includes a box configuration augmented by a dish antenna. Manufactured by LMSSD, USA 234 stabilized in orbit on April 4, 2012.
Physical Characteristics

Length

4

Diameter

4

Span

15

Dry Mass

5000

Launch Mass

7000

Shape

Box + Dish

Radar Cross Section

Unknown

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

TOPAZ 2

Purpose

Reconnaissance, Radar

Mission

Reconnaissance, Radar

Manufacturer

LMSSD

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

FIA Radar

Configuration

Unknown

Motor

Unknown

Equipment

Unknown

Power System

Unknown

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

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