The Day Fiery Failure Launched NASA
Sixty-eight years ago, America's first satellite exploded on the launchpad in front of the entire world. But from the ashes of Vanguard TV-3 came the determination that would eventually win the Space Race.
USA 471 (62540)
COSPAR: N/A | Alt Name: USA 471
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
62540
International Designator
N/A
Decay Date
Unknown
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
USA 471
Alternative Name
USA 471
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
NROC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
USA 471, also known as Starshield 6-09, is a satellite owned by NROC and manufactured by SPXS. Launched on January 10, 2025, from AFWTR SLC4E using a 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 kilograms with a launch mass of 800 kilograms. It features a box shape with a pan addition to its structure but lacks specific information on its mission or purpose.
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 6-09
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
SPXS
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Starshield
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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