Space Brief 6 Jul 2025
Today’s brief covers the delayed launch of Australia's first orbital rocket, China's reusability programs, and the snow-enforced shutdown of a Chilean radio telescope.
USA 421 (61644)
COSPAR: 2024-192A | Alt Name: USA 421
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
61644
International Designator
2024-192A
Decay Date
Unknown
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
USA 421
Alternative Name
USA 421
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
NROC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
The satellite USA 421 (OBJECT_ID: 2024-192A) is a Starshield bus-type spacecraft owned by NROC and manufactured by SPXS. It was launched on October 24, 2024, from AFWTR SLC4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. 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 750 kg with an initial launch mass of 800 kg. Equipped with deployable solar arrays for power generation, USA 421’s mission purpose is listed as unknown but speculated to be either imaging or SIGINT (signals intelligence). The satellite has a box and pan shape, though specific details on its attitude control system, motor type, and material composition are currently unreported.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.3
Diameter
4.1
Span
29
Dry Mass
750
Launch Mass
800
Shape
Box + pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Starshield 4-01
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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