Space Brief 20 Jan 2025
Today's Space Brief highlights SpaceX's return to Starlink launches, a call to address space debris, and changes in NASA leadership under the new Trump administration.
USA 259 (40344)
COSPAR: 2014-081A | Alt Name: USA 259
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 13, 2014
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC3E
Launch Vehicle
Atlas V 541
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
40344
International Designator
2014-081A
Decay Date
Unknown
Basic Satellite Info
Name
USA 259
Alternative Name
USA 259
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
NROC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
USA 259 is an American satellite identified by NORAD Catalog ID 40344 and OBJECT_ID 2014-081A. Launched on December 13, 2014, from the AFWTR launch site at SLC3E using the Atlas V 541 launch vehicle, its primary mission is SIGINT (signals intelligence) and early warning. The satellite has dimensions of 7 meters in length, a diameter of 4 meters, and a span of 10 meters. It weighs 4,000 kilograms at launch and has a dry mass of 3,000 kilograms. Its shape is described as cylindrical with two panels, and it is operated by the National Reconnaissance Office (NROC). The payload includes RAVEN 6/HEO-3 equipment for its intended SIGINT and early warning operations.
Physical Characteristics
Length
7
Diameter
4
Span
10
Dry Mass
3000
Launch Mass
4000
Shape
Cyl + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
RAVEN 6/HEO-3
Purpose
SIGINT, early warning
Mission
SIGINT, early warning
Manufacturer
UNKUS
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
UNK
Configuration
?
Motor
UNK
Equipment
?
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Space Brief 20 Nov 2024
Today's highlights include the U.S. military's satellite initiative facing delays, Senate inquiries into high-profile calls, and an update on Pentagon's UFO investigations. Notable mentions also cover Morocco's defense sector ambitions.
Space Force Eyes 30,000 Satellites by 2040 | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force projects 30,000-satellite orbital architecture by 2040 amid combat integration revelations. Gen. Saltzman confirms space operations were critical in Iran conflict.
Space Brief 10 Dec 2024
Today's highlights include a new 5G demonstration launch on Firefly, potential supply chain interruptions in the defense sector, and updates on Artemis and ULA launches.
SpaceX to Launch GPS Satellite After Mission Reassigned From ULA | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX set to launch GPS 3-9 for Space Force after strategic switch from ULA's Vulcan to Falcon 9. 25 Starlink satellites deployed to polar orbit. Musk explains SpaceX exponential growth trajectory.
Space Force Buys Second Otter Spacecraft for On-Orbit Servicing | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force procures second Otter spacecraft for satellite repositioning. Momentus and NASA sign Space Act Agreement for orbital servicing tests. Pentagon delays contractor review.
York Space Goes Public at $629M, Cold War JUMPSEAT Spy Satellites Declassified | KeepTrack Space Brief
York Space raises $629M in IPO to expand satellite manufacturing. NRO declassifies Cold War-era JUMPSEAT spy satellites. Lockheed to boost THAAD interceptor production from 96 to 400 per year.
X Report 13 Dec 2024
SpaceX ramps up Starship preparations in Florida while California prepares for another Starlink launch.