Growing Threat of Space Junk
Over 27,000 high-speed pieces of space junk now threaten vital satellites, requiring sophisticated tracking and urgent innovation of orbital debris removal methods like harpoons and nets.
USA 321 (51077)
COSPAR: 2022-002CX | Alt Name: USA 321
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
January 13, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
51077
International Designator
2022-002CX
Decay Date
4/1/2023
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
USA 321
Alternative Name
USA 321
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
NROC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
The satellite USA 321, also known by its OBJECT_ID 2022-002CX and NORAD_CAT_ID 51077, is a Starlink satellite based on the Starshield bus configuration manufactured by SPXS (SpaceX). Launched from AFETR (Cape Canaveral Air Force Station) at LC40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle on January 13, 2022, it has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters when deployed. The satellite's dry mass is 280 kg with an initial launch mass of 300 kg. It is owned by NROC (National Reconnaissance Office) and its mission and purpose are currently unknown. The shape of the satellite is described as a box with a pan attachment, but further details on its power system, equipment, transmitter frequencies, or major events are not provided.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.2
Diameter
2.8
Span
9
Dry Mass
280
Launch Mass
300
Shape
Box + pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
[NRO Starshield P2]
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
SPXS
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Starlink
Configuration
Starshield bus
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
NASA Tests Artemis 2 Fueling, Saudi Unveils DebriSolver Winners | KeepTrack Space Brief
NASA conducts critical Artemis 2 rocket fueling test. Saudi Space Agency announces global DebriSolver competition winners. SpaceX and Bezos push orbital data center plans.
X Report 1 Mar 2025
FAA greenlights Flight 8 of SpaceX's Starship while senators examine Air Force nominee's ties to the company.
Space Force Adds Relativity, Impulse to NSSL Phase 3 | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force expands National Security Space Launch Phase 3 with Relativity Space and Impulse Space joining Lane 1 competition. New entrants gain pathway to military payload contracts.
Space Brief 18 Mar 2025
Today's Space Brief covers the reentry of Firefly's Blue Ghost moon lander, a compelling study on space debris exacerbated by climate change, and new advancements from the Vera Rubin Observatory.
Air Force One Gets Starlink, Astrobotic Acquired | KeepTrack Space Brief
Trump's interim Air Force One—a $400M Boeing 747-8—equipped with Starlink for presidential communications. First confirmed LEO constellation use for White House comms.
NASA Announces First-Ever ISS Medical Evacuation via SpaceX Crew Dragon | KeepTrack X Report
NASA plans first-ever medical evacuation from ISS using SpaceX Crew Dragon for Crew-11 astronaut. Starlink 6-96 mission scrubbed and rescheduled. Starbase Pad 1 tower and launch mount under review.
Space Brief 19 Jul 2025
Today's highlights include a record-breaking high-altitude image of the sun, SpaceX's latest Starlink satellite launch, and various military developments. Stay informed with detailed updates on launches, reentries, and the latest advancements in drone technology.