Space Brief 21 Feb 2025
Explore the latest developments in international defense collaborations, aerospace advancements, and emerging military trends shaping our orbital environments.
USA 401 (61022)
COSPAR: 2024-160B | Alt Name: USA 401
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
61022
International Designator
2024-160B
Decay Date
Unknown
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
USA 401
Alternative Name
USA 401
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
NROC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
The satellite identified by NORAD CAT ID 61022 and OBJECT ID 2024-160B, known as USA 401, is part of the Starshield bus configuration. It was launched on September 6, 2024, from AFWTR SLC4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and 4.1 meters in diameter with a span of 29 meters. Its dry mass is 700 kg, and it was manufactured by SPXS for the NROC (National Reconnaissance Office). It features deployable solar arrays for power generation and its primary purpose is unknown but suspected to be related to imaging or SIGINT (signals intelligence). The satellite has a box shape with a pan configuration.
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 3-02
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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