Space Brief 15 Jul 2025
Today's brief covers new military space funding, intriguing scientific discoveries, and defense contracts impacting global military strategies.
USA 423 (61646)
COSPAR: 2024-192C | Alt Name: USA 423
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
61646
International Designator
2024-192C
Decay Date
Unknown
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
USA 423
Alternative Name
USA 423
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
NROC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
USA 423, also known as Starshield 4-03, is a satellite operated by NROC, launched on October 24, 2024, from Space Launch Complex 4E at AFWTR using the Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures approximately 0.3 meters in length and has a diameter of 4.1 meters with a span of 29 meters. It weighs 800 kilograms at launch, with a dry mass of 750 kilograms. Its configuration is based on the Starshield bus and it is powered by deployable solar arrays. The satellite's purpose is unknown but suspected to be related to imaging or SIGINT (signals intelligence).
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 4-03
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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