Space Brief 12 Dec 2024
U.S. Space Force's Europe operations amidst Ukraine conflict, Maxar's new partnership, integration of military and commercial tech, and the Pentagon's new AI initiatives shape today's space discourse.
USA 438 (62163)
COSPAR: 2024-225A | Alt Name: USA 438
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
62163
International Designator
2024-225A
Decay Date
Unknown
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
USA 438
Alternative Name
USA 438
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
NROC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
USA 438, also known as Starshield B2-01, is a satellite owned by NROC and operated under an unknown mission (imaging or SIGINT). Launched on November 30, 2024, from AFWTR SLC4E using the Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, 4.1 meters in diameter, and a span of 29 meters. The satellite's dry mass is 750 kg with an overall launch mass of 800 kg. It uses deployable solar arrays for power and has the shape described as "Box + pan." The manufacturer is SPXS, and it employs the 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 B2-01
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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