USA 356 (59816)

COSPAR: 2024-096C | Alt Name: USA 356
DECAYED

Image
USA 356 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

May 22, 2024

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

SLC4E

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

59816

International Designator

2024-096C

Decay Date

Unknown

Basic Satellite Info

Name

USA 356

Alternative Name

USA 356

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

NROC

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary
USA 356, also known as Starshield 1-03, is a satellite with the OBJECT_ID 2024-096C launched on May 22, 2024, from AFWTR's SLC4E launch pad using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has a bus configuration of Starshield and measures 0.3 meters in length with a diameter of 4.1 meters and a span of 29 meters. It has a dry mass of 700 kilograms and a launch mass of 750 kilograms, powered by deployable solar arrays. The satellite's purpose is unknown but suspected to be related to imaging or SIGINT activities. It was manufactured by SPXS for NROC and its shape consists of a box with a pan design.
Physical Characteristics

Length

0.3

Diameter

4.1

Span

29

Dry Mass

700

Launch Mass

750

Shape

Box + pan

Radar Cross Section

Unknown

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Starshield 1-03

Purpose

Unknown (imaging or SIGINT)

Mission

Unknown (imaging or SIGINT)

Manufacturer

SPXS

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

Starshield

Configuration

Starshield bus ?

Motor

?

Equipment

Unknown

Power System

deployable solar arrays

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

Space Brief 10 Dec 2024

Space Brief 10 Dec 2024

Today's highlights include a new 5G demonstration launch on Firefly, potential supply chain interruptions in the defense sector, and updates on Artemis and ULA launches.

Space Brief 20 Oct 2025

Space Brief 20 Oct 2025

Today's Space Brief highlights Innospace's upcoming orbital launch, SpaceX's record-setting Starlink mission, China's Thousand Sails constellation, Atomic-6's new space armor, and developments in SpaceX's West Coast facilities.

Space Brief 7 Dec 2025

Space Brief 7 Dec 2025

Today's highlights include a record-breaking event at the International Space Station, significant funding for hypersonic missile production, and several key military developments impacting space strategy.

Mega-Constellations Are Set to Flood Earth's Orbit

Mega-Constellations Are Set to Flood Earth's Orbit

We forecast how many satellites could be in orbit by 2030 and what capabilities we can expect.

X Report 30 Sep 2025

X Report 30 Sep 2025

SpaceX gears up for its next Starship flight while recent Falcon 9 missions make headlines with spectacular launches, bringing fresh Starlink satellites into orbit.

Space Brief 25 Sep 2025

Space Brief 25 Sep 2025

Discover the latest developments in space defense, innovative satellite technologies, nuclear advancements in space travel, and strategic military updates.

X Report 17 Sep 2025

X Report 17 Sep 2025

Today’s highlights include successful Falcon 9 launch for MECANO ID, ongoing Starship Block 3 development, and plans for direct-to-device testing next year.

STS-30 | When Atlantis Sent a Radar to Venus

STS-30 | When Atlantis Sent a Radar to Venus

On May 4, 1989, Space Shuttle Atlantis lifted off from LC-39B carrying Magellan, NASA's first interplanetary mission since 1978. The eleven-year drought ended in a payload bay, and the radar that emerged would map ninety-eight percent of Venus through clouds that no camera could ever see through.