USA-184
| Mission type | ELINT |
|---|---|
| Operator | National Reconnaissance Office |
| COSPAR ID | 2006-027A |
| SATCAT no. | 29249 |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | 28 June 2006, 03:33 UTC |
| Rocket | SLC-6 |
| Orbital parameters | |
| Reference system | Geocentric |
| Regime | Molniya |
| Perigee altitude | 1,138 kilometres (707 mi)[1] |
| Apogee altitude | 39,210 kilometres (24,360 mi)[1] |
| Inclination | 63.2°[1] |
USA-184, also known as NRO Launch 22 or NROL-22, is an American signals intelligence satellite, operated by the National Reconnaissance Office. Launched in 2006, it has been identified as the first in a new series of satellites which are replacing the earlier Trumpet spacecraft.[2]
Satellite
USA-184 was launched by
Liftoff took place at 03:33 UTC on 28 June 2006 (20:33
The satellite's orbit and mission are officially classified, however like most classified spacecraft it has been located and tracked by amateur observers. It is in a Molniya orbit with a perigee of 1,138 kilometres (707 mi), an apogee of 39,210 kilometres (24,360 mi), and 63.2° of inclination.[1] In addition to its SIGINT payload, USA-184 also carries two secondary instruments; the SBIRS-HEO-1 missile detection payload as part of the Space-Based Infrared System programme, and NASA's TWINS-1 or TWINS-A magnetospheric science instrument as part of the TWINS programme.[2]
References
- ^ a b c d McDowell, Jonathan. "Satellite Catalog". Jonathan's Space Page. Retrieved 11 April 2012.
- ^ a b Krebs, Gunter. ""Trumpet F/O" 1, 2, 3". Gunter's Space Page. Retrieved 11 April 2012.
- ^ Ray, Justin (27 June 2006). "New era of rocket launches begins at California base". Spaceflight Now. Retrieved 11 April 2012.
- ^ Bergin, Chris (27 June 2006). "Delta IV – NROL-22 launch success". NASASpaceflight.com. Retrieved 11 April 2012.
- ^ Ray, Justin (28 June 2006). "Delta Launch Report - Mission Status Center". Spaceflight Now. Retrieved 11 April 2012.
- ^ Krebs, Gunter. "NROL launches". Gunter's Space Page. Retrieved 11 April 2012.
- ^ McDowell, Jonathan. "Launch Log". Jonathan's Space Page. Retrieved 11 April 2012.
