USA 250 (39652)

COSPAR: 2014-020A | Alt Name: USA 250
DECAYED

Image
USA 250 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

April 10, 2014

Launch Pad

SLC41

Launch Vehicle

Atlas V 541

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

39652

International Designator

2014-020A

Decay Date

Unknown

Basic Satellite Info

Name

USA 250

Alternative Name

USA 250

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

NROC

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary
The USA 250 satellite, also known as SHARP 1, was launched on April 10, 2014, from Space Launch Complex 41 at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using an Atlas V 541 launch vehicle. It is a US satellite operated by NROC (National Reconnaissance Office) and has a bus configuration known as New Orion. The spacecraft features a large dish antenna and 3-axis stabilization, measuring approximately 7 meters in length, with a diameter of 4 meters and a span of 30 meters. Its dry mass is recorded at 3,000 kilograms, while the launch mass was 3,850 kilograms. Although the exact equipment and purpose remain unclear, it is believed to be involved in SIGINT (Signals Intelligence), ELINT (Electronic Intelligence), and COMINT (Communications Intelligence) missions. The satellite's shape is described as a cylinder with two panels and a dish antenna.
Physical Characteristics

Length

7

Diameter

4

Span

30

Dry Mass

3000

Launch Mass

3850

Shape

Cyl + 2 Pan+ Dish

Radar Cross Section

Unknown

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

SHARP 1

Purpose

SIGINT, ELINT, COMINT ?

Mission

SIGINT, ELINT, COMINT ?

Manufacturer

UNKUS

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

New Orion

Configuration

Large Dish Antenna, 3-Axis-Stabilization

Motor

UNK

Equipment

?

Power System

Unknown

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

SpaceX Wins $57M Golden Dome Satellite Crosslink Deal | KeepTrack Space Brief

SpaceX Wins $57M Golden Dome Satellite Crosslink Deal | KeepTrack Space Brief

SpaceX secures $57 million military contract for Link-182 satellite crosslink demo supporting Golden Dome missile defense. Also joins software working group.

The Satellite That Taught Us What We Were Doing to the Planet

The Satellite That Taught Us What We Were Doing to the Planet

Landsat 7 launched on April 15, 1999, designed to last five years. It operated for twenty-five, survived a failure that destroyed a fifth of every image it took, and became part of the longest continuous record of Earth's surface ever assembled. Then they made the data free.

SpaceX IPO Raises $75B, SPCX Surges 20% on Day One | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX IPO Raises $75B, SPCX Surges 20% on Day One | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX debuted on Nasdaq as SPCX at $135/share, raising a record $75B and pushing Elon Musk's net worth past $1 trillion for the first time.

Space Brief 18 Oct 2024

Space Brief 18 Oct 2024

Explore exciting updates on satellite reentries impacting Earth's atmosphere, China's ambitious space exploration plans, and the latest advancements in the search for extraterrestrial life.

Space Brief 28 Aug 2025

Space Brief 28 Aug 2025

Today's briefing covers collaborations enhancing defense capabilities, new satellite technologies entering the market, and strategic shifts in military satellite applications.

Space Brief 21 Apr 2025

Space Brief 21 Apr 2025

Today's briefing highlights SpaceX's recent launch of spy satellites, a US Space Force contract for deep space tracking, and advancements in quantum communications in space.

X Report 2 Mar 2025

X Report 2 Mar 2025

Starship receives FAA approval for its next test flight, while SpaceX prepares to launch more Starlink satellites amidst reaching 5 million subscribers.

SpaceX Opens 2026 With 29 Starlink Satellites, X Report 5 Jan 2026

SpaceX Opens 2026 With 29 Starlink Satellites, X Report 5 Jan 2026

SpaceX Starlink updates for 2026 open with Starlink 6-88: 29 satellites from Cape Canaveral on Jan 4, after a record 165-launch 2025.