USA 278 (42941)

COSPAR: 2017-056A | Alt Name: USA 278
DECAYED

Image
USA 278 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

September 24, 2017

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

SLC3E

Launch Vehicle

Atlas V 541

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

42941

International Designator

2017-056A

Decay Date

Unknown

Basic Satellite Info

Name

USA 278

Alternative Name

USA 278

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

NROC

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary
USA 278, also known as RAVEN-7/HEO-4, is a SIGINT (Signals Intelligence) and early warning satellite launched on September 24, 2017, from AFWTR SLC3E using the Atlas V 541 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 7 meters in length, 4 meters in diameter, and spans up to 10 meters. It had a launch mass of 4,000 kg and a dry mass of 3,000 kg. The spacecraft is owned by NROC (National Reconnaissance Office) and was manufactured under unknown circumstances as indicated by the designation "UNKUS." Its shape consists of a cylinder with two panels attached. Further details about its equipment, power source, and specific mission characteristics are not provided in the available data.
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-7/HEO-4

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

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