Space Brief 18 Nov 2024
Today’s Space Brief covers the deployment of a new optical sensor for the Space Force, SpaceX's recent Starlink satellite launch, and significant investment in space cargo vehicles.
USA 418 (61039)
COSPAR: 2024-160U | Alt Name: USA 418
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
61039
International Designator
2024-160U
Decay Date
Unknown
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
USA 418
Alternative Name
USA 418
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
NROC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
USA 418, also known as Starshield 3-19, is a satellite operated by NROC (National Reconnaissance Office) and launched on September 6, 2024, from AFWTR SLC4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, 4.1 meters in diameter, and spans 29 meters, with a dry mass of 700 kilograms and a launch mass of 750 kilograms. The satellite is equipped with deployable solar arrays for power generation. Its mission is currently unknown but suspected to involve imaging or SIGINT (signals intelligence). The spacecraft has a box + pan shape and was manufactured by SPXS (Space Exploration Technologies Corp.).
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 3-19
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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