Space Brief 14 Dec 2024
Today’s Space Brief covers significant developments such as SpaceX’s latest Starlink launch, the US Space Force testing modular satellite technology, and key long-range missile tests by the Pentagon.
USA 388 (60171)
COSPAR: 2024-121P | Alt Name: USA 388
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
60171
International Designator
2024-121P
Decay Date
Unknown
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
USA 388
Alternative Name
USA 388
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
NROC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
The USA 388 satellite, also known as Starshield 2-14, was launched on June 29, 2024, from AFWTR SLC4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and 4.1 meters in diameter with a span of 29 meters. It has a dry mass of 700 kg and was launched at a mass of 750 kg. The satellite is owned by NROC and manufactured by SPXS, with its purpose being unknown but possibly related to imaging or SIGINT (Signals Intelligence). Equipped with deployable solar arrays for power, the spacecraft's configuration resembles a box shape with additional panels. The mission details are classified.
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 2-14
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
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