Space Brief 6 Mar 2025
Today's brief covers secret Space Force payloads monitoring China's satellites, collaborations reducing satellite tracking delays, and new AI projects for military operations.
USA 485 (62756)
COSPAR: 2025-014X | Alt Name: USA 485
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
January 21, 2025
Launch Site
Air Force Eastern Test Range (AFETR)
Launch Pad
LC-39A
Launch Vehicle
Falcon 9 Block 5
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
62756
International Designator
2025-014X
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 05:35:35 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
270.01°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
289.07°
Period
91.35 min
Mean Motion
15.76 rev/day
Latitude
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Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
USA 485
Alternative Name
USA 485
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
National Reconnaissance Office (NRO)
Country
United States
Constellation
Starshield
Related Satellites
Major Events
Launched on January 21, 2025, aboard a Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket from LC-39A at AFETR.
Latest TLEs
1 62756U 25014X 26201.23305204 .00140830 00000+0 85324-3 0 9998
2 62756 42.9989 270.0119 0001140 289.0731 71.0015 15.76374067 85985
Source: Celestrak
Summary
USA 485 is a Starshield satellite operated by the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), launched on January 21, 2025, from LC-39A at Air Force Eastern Test Range using a Falcon 9 Block 5 launch vehicle. The satellite measures 0.3 meters in length and 4.1 meters in diameter with a span of 29 meters due to its solar panel arrays. It has a dry mass of 750 kilograms and was launched with a total mass of 800 kilograms. Designed for secure communications, Earth observation, and hosting various payloads, USA 485 is part of the National Reconnaissance Office's (NRO) Proliferated Architecture to support national security objectives. The specific equipment and power systems are classified but are believed to include solar arrays similar to other Starshield satellites. Its exact lifetime is not publicly disclosed.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.3
Diameter
4.1
Span
29
Dry Mass
750
Launch Mass
800
Shape
Box with solar panel arrays
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Estimated at 5.0 based on dimensions and typical reflectivity of similar satellites.
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Classified; likely includes materials such as aluminum and composite structures common in satellite construction.
Technical Details
Payload
Starshield B3-01
Purpose
Classified; likely supports secure communications and Earth observation for national security.
Mission
Believed to be part of the National Reconnaissance Office's (NRO) Proliferated Architecture, supporting national security objectives.
Manufacturer
SpaceX
Life Expectancy
Classified; operational status is not publicly disclosed.
Bus
Starshield
Configuration
Starshield
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Specific equipment details are classified; however, Starshield satellites are designed to support secure communications, Earth observation, and hosting various payloads.
Power System
Specific power systems are classified; likely utilizes solar arrays similar to other Starshield satellites.
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Classified
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
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