USA 406 (61027)

COSPAR: 2024-160G | Alt Name: USA 406
DECAYED

Image
USA 406 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

September 6, 2024

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

SLC4E

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

61027

International Designator

2024-160G

Decay Date

Unknown

Basic Satellite Info

Name

USA 406

Alternative Name

USA 406

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

NROC

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary
USA 406, also known as Starshield 3-07, is a satellite owned by NROC and manufactured by SPXS. It was launched on September 6, 2024, from the AFWTR SLC4E launch pad using a Falcon 9 vehicle. The satellite has a length of 0.3 meters, a diameter of 4.1 meters, and a span of 29 meters. Its dry mass is 700 kg, with an initial launch mass of 750 kg. Equipped with deployable solar arrays for power, its purpose remains unknown but is speculated to involve imaging or SIGINT operations. The satellite has a box-like shape with a pan configuration and was launched on the same date it became stable in orbit.
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 3-07

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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