USA 480 (62549)

COSPAR: N/A | Alt Name: USA 480
DECAYED

Image
USA 480 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

January 10, 2025

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

SLC4E

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

62549

International Designator

N/A

Decay Date

Unknown

Basic Satellite Info

Name

USA 480

Alternative Name

USA 480

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

NROC

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary
The USA 480 satellite, also known as Starshield 6-18, was launched by the National Reconnaissance Office (NROC) on January 10, 2025, from AFWTR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle at SLC4E. The satellite measures 0.3 meters in length and has a diameter of 4.1 meters with a span of 29 meters. It has a dry mass of 750 kg and was launched with a total mass of 800 kg. Manufactured by SPXS, the satellite features a shape described as "Box + pan." The mission owner is NROC, and the exact purpose of the payload remains unspecified in the provided data.
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 6-18

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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