SpaceX Launches CAS500-2 and 44 Rideshares, Space Brief 3 May 2026
SpaceX CAS500-2 launch success: Falcon 9 flew May 3 at 0700 UTC from Vandenberg with South Korea's imaging satellite and 44 rideshare payloads.
USA 252 (39751)
COSPAR: 2014-027A | Alt Name: USA 252
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 22, 2014
Launch Site
Launch Pad
SLC41
Launch Vehicle
Atlas V 401
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
39751
International Designator
2014-027A
Decay Date
Unknown
Basic Satellite Info
Name
USA 252
Alternative Name
USA 252
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
NROC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
The satellite identified by NORAD CAT ID 39751 and OBJECT ID 2014-027A is known as USA 252. Launched on May 22, 2014, from SLC41 at AFETR (Cape Canaveral Air Force Station) using an Atlas V 401 launch vehicle, it was manufactured by BOES for the NROC (National Reconnaissance Office). The satellite is based on the HS-601 bus design and has a box shape with two panels. It measures 5 meters in length, 2 meters in diameter, and has a span of 20 meters. With a launch mass of 4300 kg and a dry mass of 2500 kg, its primary mission is to serve as a communication satellite for relay purposes and early warning systems. The payload QUASAR 18 underscores its advanced capabilities in these areas.
Physical Characteristics
Length
5
Diameter
2
Span
20
Dry Mass
2500
Launch Mass
4300
Shape
Box + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
QUASAR 18
Purpose
Comsat / Relay, early warning
Mission
Comsat / Relay, early warning
Manufacturer
BOES
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
HS-601
Configuration
?
Motor
?
Equipment
?
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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