USA-215, also known as NRO Launch 41 or NROL-41, is an American reconnaissance satellite, operated by the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO). Launched in 2010, it has been identified as the first in a new series of imaging radar satellites, developed as part of the Future Imagery Architecture (FIA) programme,[2] to replace the earlier Lacrosse spacecraft.
 | |
| Names | NRO Launch 41 NROL-41 Gladys |
|---|---|
| Mission type | Imaging radar |
| Operator | National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) |
| COSPAR ID | 2010-046A |
| SATCAT no. | 37162 |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Spacecraft type | FIA Radar |
| Manufacturer | Lockheed Martin |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | 21 September 2010, 04:03:30 UTC |
| Rocket | Atlas V 501 s/n AV-025 |
| Launch site | Vandenberg, SLC-3E |
| Contractor | United Launch Alliance (ULA) |
| Orbital parameters | |
| Reference system | Geocentric orbit[1] |
| Regime | Low Earth orbit (retrograde) |
| Perigee altitude | 1,103 km (685 mi) |
| Apogee altitude | 1,105 km (687 mi) |
| Inclination | 122.99° |
| Period | 107.35 minutes |
Launch
editUSA-215 was launched by an Atlas V launch vehicle, flying in the 501 configuration, operated by United Launch Alliance (ULA). The rocket was launched from Space Launch Complex 3E at the Vandenberg Air Force Base, at 04:03:30 UTC on 21 September 2010.[3] It was identified as NRO Launch 41, and was the twenty-third flight of an Atlas V; the vehicle had the tail number AV-025, and was named Gladys.[4]
Mission
editThe satellite's orbit and mission are officially classified; however, it has been located by amateur observers in a retrograde low Earth orbit. As of 14 February 2021, it was in an orbit with a perigee of 1,103 km (685 mi), an apogee of 1,105 km (687 mi) and 122.99° of orbital inclination.[1]
References
edit
- ^ a b "USA 215 - Orbit". Heavens Above. 14 February 2021. Retrieved 10 March 2021.
- ^ Krebs, Gunter (11 December 2020). "Topaz 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 (FIA-Radar 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)". Gunter's Space Page. Retrieved 10 March 2021.
- ^ Ray, Justin (21 September 2010). "Atlas Launch Report - Mission Status Center". Spaceflight Now. Retrieved 10 March 2021.
- ^ Krebs, Gunter (21 December 2020). "NROL launches". Gunter's Space Page. Retrieved 10 March 2021.
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