SBIRS GEO-4 (USA 273) (41937)

COSPAR: 2017-004A | Alt Name: SBIRS GEO-4

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

January 21, 2017

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

SLC41

Launch Vehicle

Atlas V 401

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

41937

International Designator

2017-004A

Epoch

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 20:23:27 GMT

Apogee

Calculating...

Perigee

Calculating...

Inclination

2.27°

Right Ascension

43.68°

Eccentricity

Calculating...

Argument of Perigee

58.62°

Period

1435.88 min

Mean Motion

1.00 rev/day

Latitude

Calculating...

Longitude

Calculating...

Altitude

Calculating...

Velocity

Calculating...

Polar Plot

3D Visualization

Basic Satellite Info

Name

SBIRS GEO-4 (USA 273)

Alternative Name

SBIRS GEO-4

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

AFSPC

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 41937U 17004A   26183.84962556  .00000136  00000-0  00000-0 0  9991

2 41937   2.2711  43.6757 0002971  58.6191 145.5771  1.00287153 34756

Source: Celestrak

Summary

SBIRS GEO-4 (USA 273), designated by NORAD as CAT ID 41937 and OBJECT_ID 2017-004A, is an early warning satellite built on the A2100M bus configuration for the United States. Launched on January 21, 2017, from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using an Atlas V 401 launch vehicle, it has a mission lifespan of 12 years and is owned by AFSPC (Air Force Space Command). The satellite features two SBIRS sensors for scanning and staring capabilities. It measures 6 meters in length with a diameter of 2.5 meters and spans up to 25 meters when its solar arrays are deployed. Its dry mass is 2,500 kg, with a launch mass of 4,500 kg. The spacecraft's power system includes two deployable solar arrays and batteries for continuous operation. It has a box shape with two panels and uses the Leros 1C motor for propulsion.

Physical Characteristics

Length

Diameter

2.5

Span

Dry Mass

2500

Launch Mass

4500

Shape

Box + 2 Pan

Radar Cross Section

Unknown

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

SBIRS GEO SV4

Purpose

Early Warning

Mission

Early Warning

Manufacturer

LMSS

Life Expectancy

12 years

Bus

A2100

Configuration

A2100M

Motor

Leros 1C

Equipment

2 SBIRS sensors (scanning and staring)

Power System

2 deployable solar arrays, batteries

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

Map

This tool will help you track the satellite's position and predict its upcoming passes over your location. Simply input the coordinates or click the geolocation button to get started.

Latitude

Longitude

Next Pass

Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)

Start Azimuth

Max Elevation

Stop Azimuth

Time Until

Pass Duration

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

Falling Space Debris Risk to Aircraft Grows, North Korea Tests Hypersonic Missiles | KeepTrack Space Brief

Experts warn falling space debris risk to aircraft is increasing. North Korea tests advanced hypersonic missiles. Space Force seeks launch providers for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg pads.

X Report 16 Jan 2025

SpaceX launches dual lunar landers while Starship Flight 7 faces weather delay.

X Report 20 Mar 2025

SpaceX successfully rotates Crew-9 and Crew-10 on the ISS and launches new Starlink satellites with direct-to-cell capability.

ESA Buys Dedicated Crew Dragon Mission for 4 Astronauts | KeepTrack X Report

ESA is purchasing a dedicated SpaceX Crew Dragon flight to send 4 European astronauts to the ISS ahead of the station's planned retirement.

X Report 27 Nov 2024

SpaceX secures FCC nod for Starlink's direct-to-phone connectivity, lands NASA's Dragonfly mission, and sees new competition with the ZhuQue-2E launch.

Space Brief 1 Mar 2025

Today's Space Brief covers reentries, the impact of NOAA dismissals on space weather tracking, a strategic academic partnership probing cosmic mysteries, and a newly unveiled space motto.

X Report 4 Feb 2025

Canada reconsiders Starlink contract amidst US tariff delays, and new concerns arise over falling space debris.

The Day America Pioneered Polar Orbits

Sixty-six years ago, a Thor-Agena rocket thundered into the California sky carrying Discoverer 1, the first satellite attempt at polar orbit and the secret vanguard of Americas space reconnaissance program