USA 290 (43941)

COSPAR: 2019-004A | Alt Name: USA 290
DECAYED

Image
USA 290 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

January 19, 2019

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

SLC6

Launch Vehicle

Delta 4H

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

43941

International Designator

2019-004A

Decay Date

Unknown

Basic Satellite Info

Name

USA 290

Alternative Name

USA 290

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

NROC

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary
The satellite USA 290 (OBJECT_ID: 2019-004A) is a reconnaissance satellite operated by NROC for electro-optical surveillance purposes. It was launched on January 19, 2019, from AFWTR's SLC6 launch pad using a Delta 4H rocket. The spacecraft measures 10 meters in length with a diameter of 3.1 meters and has a span of 10 meters. Its dry mass is 15,500 kg, while its launch mass was 20,000 kg. Equipped with deployable solar arrays and batteries for power, it carries the CRYSTAL Block 5 F1 payload. The satellite's shape is described as cylindrical with two panels, and it is manufactured by LMSS/NGAS.
Physical Characteristics

Length

10

Diameter

3.1

Span

10

Dry Mass

15500

Launch Mass

20000

Shape

Cyl + 2 Pan

Radar Cross Section

Unknown

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

CRYSTAL Block 5 F1

Purpose

Reconnaissance, electro-optical

Mission

Reconnaissance, electro-optical

Manufacturer

LMSS/NGAS

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

IC

Configuration

Bus-1

Motor

Bus-1

Equipment

?

Power System

Deployable solar arrays, batteries

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

X Report 22 Aug 2025

X Report 22 Aug 2025

SpaceX successfully launched the U.S. Space Force's eighth X-37B spaceplane mission while preparing for an upcoming Starship launch. Meanwhile, the company continues to expand its Starlink satellite constellation.

Space Brief 8 Dec 2024

Space Brief 8 Dec 2024

Explore today's key space events including a SpaceX Starlink launch, Neuraspace's new telescope for space traffic monitoring, and Globalstar's defense-focused satellite service debut.

X Report 9 May 2025

X Report 9 May 2025

SpaceX makes strides in various sectors, from Starlink expanding services on United Airlines to new hardware aimed at enhancing home connectivity.

Space Force Raises Andromeda Contract to $6.2B for SSA Satellites | KeepTrack Space Brief

Space Force Raises Andromeda Contract to $6.2B for SSA Satellites | KeepTrack Space Brief

U.S. Space Force increased Andromeda contract ceiling to $6.2 billion for next-generation space situational awareness satellites replacing GSSAP and SILENTBARKER programs.

Three Chinese Rocket Bodies Exploded, Generating Decades of LEO Debris | KeepTrack Space Brief

Three Chinese Rocket Bodies Exploded, Generating Decades of LEO Debris | KeepTrack Space Brief

Three Chinese rocket bodies have exploded over four years, creating debris clouds that will linger for decades to centuries, according to LeoLabs analysis. Fragmentation events threaten commercial and military operators.

The Multi-Orbit Myth? Why One Startup Thinks the Satellite Industry Got It Wrong

The Multi-Orbit Myth? Why One Startup Thinks the Satellite Industry Got It Wrong

The satellite industry's biggest operators are betting on multi-orbit architectures that combine LEO, MEO, and GEO into unified networks. A San Francisco startup called Contrivian thinks they've overcomplicated the problem, and the physics might be on its side.

FCC Approves 7,500 More Starlink Satellites, SpaceX Wins $739M Launch Contract | KeepTrack X Report

FCC Approves 7,500 More Starlink Satellites, SpaceX Wins $739M Launch Contract | KeepTrack X Report

FCC approves 7,500 additional Starlink Gen2 satellites. Space Force awards SpaceX $739M for nine national security launches. NASA plans Crew-11 medical evacuation from ISS on January 14.

NASA OIG Flags Starship Artemis Gaps as Falcon 9 Eyes 8-Launch Week | KeepTrack X Report

NASA OIG Flags Starship Artemis Gaps as Falcon 9 Eyes 8-Launch Week | KeepTrack X Report

NASA's Inspector General warns of crew survival analysis gaps in Starship lunar lander program as Falcon 9 prepares to lead 8 global launches this week.