SpaceX Launches 21 SDA Missile-Tracking Satellites | KeepTrack Week in Review
This week: SpaceX launched 21 SDA missile-tracking satellites, Soyuz MS-29 carried a new crew to the ISS, and Europe's space spending rose 12%.
USA 402 (61023)
COSPAR: 2024-160C | Alt Name: USA 402
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
61023
International Designator
2024-160C
Decay Date
Unknown
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
USA 402
Alternative Name
USA 402
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
NROC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
USA 402, also known by its OBJECT_ID 2024-160C, is a satellite utilizing the Starshield bus configuration and was launched on September 6, 2024, from SLC4E at AFWTR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, 4.1 meters in diameter, and spans 29 meters when deployed. It carries the Starshield 3-03 payload for an unknown mission that could involve imaging or SIGINT operations. Its dry mass is 700 kilograms with a launch mass of 750 kilograms. The satellite's power system includes deployable solar arrays. The manufacturer is SPXS, and it is owned by NROC (National Reconnaissance Office).
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 3-03
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 27 Nov 2025
Today's highlights include new space-based interceptor developments, a UK space tracking partnership, a strategic satellite imagery alliance, and more.
Space Brief 19 Mar 2025
Today's brief explores a simulated 'dogfight' in space by Chinese satellites, insights into a cloud platform by Oracle and Singapore's defense agency, and more space-related developments.
New Glenn Explodes at LC-36, Grounded Over 1 Year | KeepTrack Space Brief
Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket exploded at Cape Canaveral's LC-36, causing visible pad damage and a year-plus grounding. NASA lunar plans affected.
Dragon Delivers 6,500 lbs to ISS; Zenk Space Eyes June Orbital Debut | KeepTrack Space Brief
SpaceX Dragon berthed ISS with 6,500 pounds of cargo May 17. China's Zenk Space raised $26M, targeting June for Zhihang-1 rocket's orbital debut.
Space Brief 5 Apr 2025
Today's brief covers the new Space Force operations doctrine, international defense collaborations by the UAE, and satellite tracking technology innovations.
Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
The bustling downtown of space: where most satellites operate, communication networks bloom, and the challenges of atmospheric drag and radiation shape our approach to space operations
Space Brief 5 Sep 2024
Today we cover the final launch of Vega's original version, a significant milestone for SpaceX with the U.S. military, preparations for NASA's Starliner return, and more.