Space Brief 7 Jun 2025
Today's brief covers the latest in satellite launches, military implications in space funding, and notable reentry delays.
USA 461 (62360)
COSPAR: 2024-243W | Alt Name: USA 461
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
62360
International Designator
2024-243W
Decay Date
Unknown
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
USA 461
Alternative Name
USA 461
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
NROC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
USA 461, also known by its OBJECT_ID 2024-243W and NORAD_CAT_ID 62360, is a satellite launched on December 17, 2024, from AFWTR SLC4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, 4.1 meters in diameter, and spans 29 meters when deployed. It weighs 800 kilograms at launch with a dry mass of 750 kilograms. Its manufacturer is SPXS, and it operates under the ownership of NROC for an undisclosed mission likely involving imaging or SIGINT purposes. The satellite uses deployable solar arrays for power generation and features a Starshield bus configuration with a shape 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 5-21
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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