Space Brief 4 Feb 2025
Today's brief covers the expansion of the U.S. missile defense shield, a new contract for Viasat from the U.S. Space Force, and the Missile Defense Agency's call for innovative Iron Dome concepts.
USA 424 (61647)
COSPAR: 2024-192D | Alt Name: USA 424
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
61647
International Designator
2024-192D
Decay Date
Unknown
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
USA 424
Alternative Name
USA 424
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
NROC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
USA 424, also known as Starshield 4-04, is a satellite operated 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 spans 29 meters. Its dry mass is 750 kilograms, with a launch mass of 800 kilograms. Equipped with deployable solar arrays for power, the mission purpose is unknown but suspected to involve imaging or SIGINT (Signals Intelligence). The satellite's shape is described as "Box + pan," and it utilizes a Starshield bus configuration.
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 4-04
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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