USA 297 (45171)

COSPAR: 2017-052E | Alt Name: USA 297
DECAYED

Image
USA 297 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

September 7, 2017

Launch Pad

LC39A

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

45171

International Designator

2017-052E

Decay Date

Unknown

Basic Satellite Info

Name

USA 297

Alternative Name

USA 297

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

AFSMC

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary
The satellite identified by NORAD CAT ID 45171 and OBJECT ID 2017-052E is known as USA 297. It falls under the category of a Cubesat, manufactured in the United States (US). Launched on September 7, 2017, from Launch Pad LC39A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, this satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and diameter, with a span of 0.3 meters, indicating a box shape. The dry mass is recorded as 5 kilograms, the same as its launch mass. It was launched by AFSMC (Air Force Space Command) and classified under a secret payload referred to as "Secret DoD Satellite 3." Its purpose is described ambiguously as "Technology?" with no further details provided on its mission specifics or operational capabilities.
Physical Characteristics

Length

0.3

Diameter

0.1

Span

0.3

Dry Mass

5

Launch Mass

5

Shape

Box

Radar Cross Section

Unknown

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Secret DoD Satellite 3

Purpose

Technology ?

Mission

Technology ?

Manufacturer

UNKUS

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

Cubesat

Configuration

Unknown

Motor

Unknown

Equipment

Unknown

Power System

Unknown

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

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