Space Brief 30 Dec 2025
Today's briefing covers Rocket Lab's plans following a record-breaking year, efforts to recover NASA's MAVEN orbiter, and the potential relocation of space shuttle Discovery.
Launch Date
July 15, 2020
Launch Site
WLPIS
Launch Pad
Pad 0B
Launch Vehicle
Minotaur IV
NORAD ID
45874
International Designator
2020-046B
Decay Date
Unknown
Name
USA 306
Alternative Name
USA 306
Type
Status
Owner
NROC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Length
3
Diameter
2
Span
10
Dry Mass
200
Launch Mass
250
Shape
Box + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Payload
[NRO Unk Smallsat 6]
Purpose
Technology ?
Mission
Technology ?
Manufacturer
BALL
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
BCP-2000
Configuration
?
Motor
AOCS
Equipment
?
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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