Space Brief 22 Nov 2025
Today's brief covers Blue Origin's national security mission, a new missile interceptor project by Space Force, developments with Starship boosters, and more.
USA 478 (62547)
COSPAR: N/A | Alt Name: USA 478
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
62547
International Designator
N/A
Decay Date
Unknown
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
USA 478
Alternative Name
USA 478
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
NROC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
The USA 478 satellite, also known as Starshield 6-16 and operated by NROC, was manufactured by SPXS and launched on January 10, 2025, from the SLC4E launch pad at AFWTR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, 4.1 meters in diameter, and spans 29 meters. The satellite weighs 750 kilograms when dry and had an initial launch mass of 800 kilograms. 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 6-16
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
China's iSpace Raises Record $729M for Reusable Rockets | KeepTrack Space Brief
China's iSpace secures record $729M for reusable rocket development. SpaceX launches Crew-12 and lands booster at new LZ-40 pad. Startup bets on space-based missile defense.
Space Brief 30 Apr 2025
Today's briefing covers a significant hypersonic missile launch by the U.S. Army, the declassification of spy satellite photos aiding demining efforts, and the deployment of cutting-edge research payloads to the ISS.
X Report 5 Sep 2025
SpaceX celebrates significant milestones with its Starship preparations, approaches a landmark Falcon booster landing, and enhances the ISS orbit with Dragon technology.
X Report 28 Oct 2025
SpaceX successfully launched 28 Starlink satellites and settled a lawsuit, while Starlink's performance faces scrutiny in Ukraine. Additionally, MTN is enhancing Starlink's business services.
Joe Engle and the Youngest Astronaut Wings Ever Earned
On 29 June 1965, a young Air Force test pilot rode a rocket-powered airplane to 280,600 feet above the California desert. He landed ten minutes later as the youngest person ever to earn astronaut wings.
Space Brief 11 Mar 2025
Today's Space Brief highlights pivotal defense budget evaluations, Lithuania's growing defense connections, the first CubeSat for ESA's Ramses mission, and the one-year milestone of the Aries satellite in orbit.
X Report 9 Jul 2025
SpaceX successfully launched 28 Starlink satellites, marking a significant milestone with its 500th orbital mission. Both launches underscore the company's commitment to expanding its satellite internet constellation and solidifying its position in the space industry.