USA-268
 Launch of USA-268 | ||
| Mission type | Signals intelligence | |
|---|---|---|
| Operator | National Reconnaissance Office | |
| COSPAR ID | 2016-036A | |
| SATCAT no. | 41584 | |
| Spacecraft properties | ||
| Spacecraft type | Advanced Orion | |
| Start of mission | ||
| Launch date | June 11, 2016, 17:51 UTC | |
| Rocket | Cape Canaveral SLC-37B | |
| Orbital parameters | ||
| Reference system | Semi-major axis 42,165 kilometers (26,200 mi)[1] | |
| Perigee altitude | 35,587 kilometers (22,113 mi)[1] | |
| Apogee altitude | 36,002 kilometers (22,371 mi)[1] | |
| Inclination | 6.3 degrees[1] | |
| Period | 1436.1 minutes[1] | |
USA-268, also known as NROL-37,[2] is an American signals intelligence satellite. Though officially classified, it is presumed to be an Advanced Orion satellite, making it one of the largest and most expensive satellites ever built.[3]
Launch
USA-268 was launched at 17:51 UTC on June 11, 2016Space Launch Complex 37B, on its second attempt.[2] It was the ninth flight of a Delta IV Heavy,[2] and the fifth carrying an Advanced Orion.[5]
See also
- List of NRO Launches
- 2016 in spaceflight
References
- ^ a b c d e "USA 268". N2YO.com. Archived from the original on March 31, 2023. Retrieved August 30, 2023.
- ^ a b c Dean, James (June 12, 2016). "No secret: Delta IV lofts spy satellite". Florida Today. Archived from the original on August 30, 2023. Retrieved August 30, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Blau, Patrick (2016). "Identifying the classified NROL-37 Satellite". Spaceflight101. Archived from the original on August 13, 2023. Retrieved September 29, 2020.
- ^ Speck, Emilee (June 12, 2016). "Delta IV rocket launches from Cape carrying U.S. spy satellite". Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on August 30, 2023. Retrieved August 30, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches NROL-37 Payload for the National Reconnaissance Office" (Press release). United Launch Alliance. June 11, 2016. Archived from the original on August 30, 2023. Retrieved September 29, 2020 – via PR Newswire.
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