Kulasekarapattinam SSLV Launch Complex
India's second spaceport solves a geometry problem. How ISRO is building a dedicated small satellite facility that eliminates the costly dogleg maneuvers plaguing polar launches from Sriharikota.
USA 445 (62344)
COSPAR: 2024-243E | Alt Name: USA 445
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
62344
International Designator
2024-243E
Decay Date
Unknown
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
USA 445
Alternative Name
USA 445
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
NROC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
The satellite USA 445, also known as Starshield 5-05, was launched on December 17, 2024, from AFWTR SLC4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has a configuration of "Starshield bus?" and is owned by NROC (National Reconnaissance Office). The satellite measures 0.3 meters in length, has a diameter of 4.1 meters, and spans 29 meters with its deployable solar arrays providing power. Its dry mass is 750 kilograms, and it had an initial launch mass of 800 kilograms. The purpose and mission details remain unknown but are speculated to involve imaging or SIGINT (Signals Intelligence). The satellite's shape is described as "Box + pan," with a manufacturer designated as SPXS (SpaceX).
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 5-05
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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