OTV 4 (USA 261) (40651)

COSPAR: 2015-025A | Alt Name: X-37B OTV-4
DECAYED

Image
OTV 4 (USA 261) Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

May 20, 2015

Launch Pad

SLC41

Launch Vehicle

Atlas V 501

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

40651

International Designator

2015-025A

Decay Date

5/7/2017

Basic Satellite Info

Name

OTV 4 (USA 261)

Alternative Name

X-37B OTV-4

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

AFRCO

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary
The OTV 4 (USA 261), also known as X-37B OTV-4, is a reusable space plane launched by AFRCO on May 20, 2015, from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using an Atlas V 501 launch vehicle. With dimensions of 8.8 meters in length and span and a diameter of 2.9 meters, it has a dry mass of approximately 5000 kilograms. The spacecraft is equipped with deployable solar arrays for power generation and features a half-cylinder shape with two wings. Its mission is to serve as a reusable satellite for unspecified purposes, carrying the X-37B No. 2 F2 payload. Manufacturing was handled by BOHB (Boeing), and its operational lifetime has ranged from 225 days to over 675 days in previous missions.
Physical Characteristics

Length

8.8

Diameter

2.9

Span

8.8

Dry Mass

5000

Launch Mass

5000

Shape

Half Cyl + 2 Wing

Radar Cross Section

Unknown

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

X-37B No. 2 F2

Purpose

Reusable satellite

Mission

Reusable satellite

Manufacturer

BOHB

Life Expectancy

270 days (nominal); 225 days (#1); 469 days (#2); 675 days (#3)

Bus

X-37

Configuration

reusable space plane

Motor

AOCS

Equipment

?

Power System

Deployable solar array, batteries

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

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