X Report 24 Sep 2025
SpaceX prepares for the launch of significant NASA and NOAA missions, while Starship's 11th test flight edges closer.
USA 324 (51280)
COSPAR: 2022-006A | Alt Name: USA 324
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
January 21, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
SLC41
Launch Vehicle
Atlas V 511
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
51280
International Designator
2022-006A
Epoch
Sat, 06 Jun 2026 02:06:38 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
0.77°
Right Ascension
83.28°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
165.68°
Period
1435.84 min
Mean Motion
1.00 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
USA 324
Alternative Name
USA 324
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
USSF
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 51280U 22006A 26157.08795008 -.00000058 00000-0 00000+0 0 9997
2 51280 0.7690 83.2777 0002840 165.6787 110.1567 1.00289779 16021
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The USA 324 satellite, also known by its OBJECT_ID 2022-006A, is a GeoStar-1 configuration spacecraft operated by the United States Space Force (USSF) for space surveillance purposes. Launched on January 21, 2022, from the SLC41 launch pad at AFETR using an Atlas V 511 launch vehicle, it has dimensions of approximately 2 meters in length and diameter with a span of 5 meters. The satellite has a dry mass and launch mass both recorded as 500 kg. It is equipped with two deployable solar arrays and batteries for power generation. Its mission lifetime is projected to be six years.
Physical Characteristics
Length
2
Diameter
2
Span
5
Dry Mass
500
Launch Mass
500
Shape
Box + 2 pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Hornet 5
Purpose
Space surveillance
Mission
Space surveillance
Manufacturer
NGISD
Life Expectancy
6 years
Bus
GeoStar-1
Configuration
GeoStar-1
Motor
AOCS
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
2 deployable solar arrays, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
X Report 26 Sep 2025
SpaceX has been active, with successful launches of Starlink satellites and major developments at Cape Canaveral, signaling a competitive edge in satellite communication and launch capabilities.
Space Brief 27 Oct 2025
Today's space highlights include the US Space Force's advanced tracking contract, a milestone in SpaceX's Starlink program, and a new initiative to remove space debris.
Space Brief 22 Aug 2024
ESA's Cluster mission coming to an end, Europe's contributions to Artemis III, JUICE's groundbreaking maneuvers, Yaogan EO satellites, and amateur astronomers discovering exoplanets.
Space Brief 5 Nov 2025
Today's focus: Sidus Space's new AI edge computer, Space Force's dynamic operations initiative, and key Pentagon acquisition reforms.
Booster 19 Return Imminent as Pad 2 Refinements Continue | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX is finalizing Pad 2 upgrades at Starbase ahead of Booster 19's return flight, as Starlink's active constellation holds at 10,185 satellites.
X Report 9 Mar 2025
SpaceX reveals plans for Florida Starship launches, NASA teams up for dual missions, and FCC boosts satellite connectivity.
Space Brief 21 Sep 2025
Today's Space Brief covers a significant signals intelligence launch, a record-breaking satellite deployment in China, a glimpse into the newest stealth drone, a potential delay for NASA's lunar lander, and more exciting updates from satellite world.