![]() 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 | Delta IV Heavy |
Launch site | Cape Canaveral SLC-37B |
Orbital parameters | |
Reference system | Geocentric |
Regime | Geostationary |
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]
USA-268 was launched at 17:51 UTC on June 11, 2016 [4] from Space 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]
![]() 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 | Delta IV Heavy |
Launch site | Cape Canaveral SLC-37B |
Orbital parameters | |
Reference system | Geocentric |
Regime | Geostationary |
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]
USA-268 was launched at 17:51 UTC on June 11, 2016 [4] from Space 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]