X Report 5 Dec 2024
SpaceX achieves new milestones with Starlink launches, and Elon Musk's influence is a point of discussion. Telesat makes strides amid Starlink's growing dominance.
USA 443 (62342)
COSPAR: 2024-243C | Alt Name: USA 443
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
62342
International Designator
2024-243C
Decay Date
Unknown
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
USA 443
Alternative Name
USA 443
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
NROC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
The satellite identified by NORAD catalog ID 62342 and designated OBJECT_ID 2024-243C is known as USA 443, part of the Starshield series. Launched on December 17, 2024, from SLC4E at AFWTR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has a length of 0.3 meters, diameter of 4.1 meters, and span of 29 meters. The satellite's dry mass is 750 kilograms with a launch mass of 800 kilograms. It was manufactured by SPXS for the NROC (National Reconnaissance Office), equipped with deployable solar arrays for power. The purpose of USA 443 is currently unknown, potentially involving imaging or SIGINT operations. Its shape is described as "Box + pan."
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 5-03
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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