Space Brief 14 May 2025
Today's edition covers China's latest launches in their classified satellite programs, ongoing discussions in the U.S. Senate on missile defense, and the ever-escalating space debris crisis threatening national security.
USA 521 (63596)
COSPAR: N/A | Alt Name: NROL-174
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 16, 2025
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
Unknown
Launch Vehicle
Unknown
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
63596
International Designator
N/A
Decay Date
Unknown
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
USA 521
Alternative Name
NROL-174
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
NROC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
Apologies, there is no summary for this satellite yet. I am working to generate these for every object in the catalog, but it is going to take time.
Physical Characteristics
Length
3.0
Diameter
2.0
Span
10.0
Dry Mass
200
Launch Mass
250
Shape
Box + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
[NRO Unk Smallsat 15]
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
BALL
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
BCP-2000
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
AOCS
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Space Brief 27 Oct 2024
Today's brief covers SpaceX's latest Starlink launch, updates on Crew-8's return, and preparations for the SLS Artemis II mission.
New Glenn Explodes at LC-36, Grounded Over 1 Year | KeepTrack Space Brief
Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket exploded at Cape Canaveral's LC-36, causing visible pad damage and a year-plus grounding. NASA lunar plans affected.
Space Brief 28 Jan 2025
Today's highlights include Space Force's budget shifts, China's new commercial lunar collaboration, and SpaceX's latest Starlink launch.
SpaceX Launches GPS Satellite in Third Mission Reassigned From ULA | KeepTrack Space Brief
SpaceX launches GPS satellite for Space Force — third consecutive GPS mission reassigned from ULA. Space Force nears selection of next-gen GEO spy satellite contractors. Northwood Space lands $49M deal.
Pentagon Seeks Commercially Built GEO Spy Satellites | KeepTrack Space Brief
Pentagon's DIU seeks commercial partners for GEO spy satellites. SpaceX unveils space traffic management system. Bahamas rocket landings resume. GPS III falls short in modern warfare.
Space Brief 24 Aug 2024
Blue Origin prepares for New Shepard flight, SpaceX completes second launch tower, Supreme Court ruling impacts space debris regulations, and updates on lunar habitats and NASA personnel. Plus, featuring CAPELLA-13 (ACADIA) as our Satellite of the Day.
X Report 1 Sep 2025
SpaceX successfully launched 28 Starlink satellites from Florida, continuing its momentum in expanding global internet coverage.