USA 279 (42949)

COSPAR: 2017-066A | Alt Name: USA 279

DECAYED

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

October 15, 2017

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

SLC41

Launch Vehicle

Atlas V 421

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

42949

International Designator

2017-066A

Decay Date

Unknown

Basic Satellite Info

Name

USA 279

Alternative Name

USA 279

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

NROC

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary

USA 279, also known as QUASAR 20, is a communications satellite operated by NROC (National Reconnaissance Office) and manufactured by BOES (Boeing). It was launched on October 15, 2017, from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using an Atlas V 421 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of approximately 6 meters in length, 3 meters in diameter, and a span of 35 meters. It had a launch mass of 5600 kg and a dry mass of 3000 kg. Its shape is described as a box with two panels and a dish. The mission purpose is to serve as a communications relay satellite.

Physical Characteristics

Length

Diameter

Span

Dry Mass

3000

Launch Mass

5600

Shape

Box + 2pan+dish

Radar Cross Section

Unknown

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

QUASAR 20

Purpose

Comsat / Relay

Mission

Comsat / Relay

Manufacturer

BOES

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

BSS-702

Configuration

Motor

Equipment

Power System

Unknown

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

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