Space Brief 23 Mar 2025
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USA 441 (62340)
COSPAR: 2024-243A | Alt Name: USA 441
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
62340
International Designator
2024-243A
Decay Date
Unknown
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
USA 441
Alternative Name
USA 441
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
NROC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
The satellite identified by NORAD_CAT_ID 62340 and OBJECT_ID 2024-243A is named USA 441, part of the Starshield bus series. Launched on December 17, 2024, from Space Launch Complex 4E at AFWTR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has a length of 0.3 meters and a diameter of 4.1 meters with a span of 29 meters. The satellite weighs 800 kilograms at launch and has a dry mass of 750 kilograms. It is owned by NROC (National Reconnaissance Office) and manufactured by SPXS. Its mission, payload (Starshield 5-01), and purpose are designated as unknown but potentially related to imaging or SIGINT (Signals Intelligence). Power generation is achieved through deployable solar arrays. The shape of the satellite is described as a box with a pan 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 5-01
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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