USA 408 (61029)

COSPAR: 2024-160J | Alt Name: USA 408
DECAYED

Image
USA 408 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

61029

International Designator

2024-160J

Decay Date

Unknown

Basic Satellite Info

Name

USA 408

Alternative Name

USA 408

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

NROC

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary
USA 408, also known as Starshield 3-09, is a satellite operated by NROC and manufactured by SPXS. It was launched on September 6, 2024, from AFWTR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle from SLC4E pad. The satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, 4.1 meters in diameter, and a span of 29 meters. Its dry mass is 700 kg with a total launch mass of 750 kg. Equipped with deployable solar arrays for power generation, the purpose of USA 408 remains unknown but it is suspected to be related to imaging or SIGINT (Signals Intelligence). The configuration and mission details are marked as uncertain.
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 3-09

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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