Space Brief 18 Nov 2025
Key updates on strategic military shifts, technological advancements, and a critical replacement mission for Chinese astronauts highlight today's space news.
USA 417 (61038)
COSPAR: 2024-160T | Alt Name: USA 417
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
61038
International Designator
2024-160T
Decay Date
Unknown
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
USA 417
Alternative Name
USA 417
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
NROC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
USA 417 is a satellite launched on September 6, 2024, from AFWTR Launch Pad SLC4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has the object ID 2024-160T and NORAD catalog ID 61038. The spacecraft is based on the Starshield bus design with a length of 0.3 meters, diameter of 4.1 meters, span of 29 meters, dry mass of 700 kg, and launch mass of 750 kg. It was manufactured by SPXS for NROC and its purpose is unknown, potentially related to imaging or SIGINT (signals intelligence). The satellite is equipped with deployable solar arrays for power generation and has a box + pan shape.
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 3-18
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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