USA 415 (61036)

COSPAR: 2024-160R | Alt Name: USA 415
DECAYED

Image
USA 415 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

61036

International Designator

2024-160R

Decay Date

Unknown

Basic Satellite Info

Name

USA 415

Alternative Name

USA 415

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

NROC

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary
USA 415, also known as Starshield 3-16, is a satellite operated by NROC (National Reconnaissance Office) and was launched on September 6, 2024, from AFWTR (Cape Canaveral Space Force Station), SLC4E launch pad using the Falcon 9 rocket. The spacecraft has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, a diameter of 4.1 meters, and a span of 29 meters, with a dry mass of 700 kilograms and a launch mass of 750 kilograms. It is equipped with deployable solar arrays for power generation. The specific mission details are not disclosed but suggest potential uses in imaging or SIGINT (Signals Intelligence). Its shape is described as "Box + pan."
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 3-16

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.

The Rocket That Refused to Sink

The Rocket That Refused to Sink

On April 18, 2014, a Falcon 9 first stage did something no orbital rocket had ever done before. It fired its engines on the way down, steered itself through the atmosphere using grid fins that did not yet exist, and touched the Atlantic Ocean softly enough to survive the impact. Nobody recovered it. The data was the whole point.

Space Brief 6 Nov 2025

Space Brief 6 Nov 2025

Today's briefing covers Iceye's new aerospace service for defense clients, ESA's plan for dual-use satellites, and key defense agreements impacting satellite technology.

X Report 24 Nov 2025

X Report 24 Nov 2025

SpaceX successfully launches 28 Starlink satellites on a new Falcon 9 rocket from California, marking a significant milestone for their satellite constellation.

Space Brief 29 Mar 2025

Space Brief 29 Mar 2025

Key military and technology developments in space; US Space Force and Army strategize national security with new rocket certifications and space training initiatives.

The Day a Giant Space Balloon United the Cold War

The Day a Giant Space Balloon United the Cold War

When a 135-foot inflatable mirror bounced a radio signal from England to Russia, it became the first joint US-Soviet space venture - and changed how we think about satellite communication.

Space Brief 30 Oct 2025

Space Brief 30 Oct 2025

Today's brief explores rising investments in space with defense ties, potential Space Force-NRO coordination, and more, offering insight into current military and defense satellite dynamics.

SpaceX Stock Eyed for US Kids' Savings Accounts | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX Stock Eyed for US Kids' Savings Accounts | KeepTrack X Report

Trump reportedly asked Musk to donate SpaceX equity to seed children's savings accounts as Starlink tops 10,706 working satellites in orbit.

X Report 14 Dec 2025

X Report 14 Dec 2025

On December 14, 2025, SpaceX achieved a significant milestone with its 550th booster landing following the launch of 27 new Starlink satellites, while exploring potential IPO strategies to fund future projects.