USA-227
USA-227, known before launch as NRO Launch 27 (NROL-27), is an American communications satellite which was launched in 2011. It is operated by the United States National Reconnaissance Office.
| Mission type | Communication |
|---|---|
| Operator | US NRO |
| COSPAR ID | 2011-011A |
| SATCAT no. | 37377 |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Spacecraft type | SDS-3 |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | 11 March 2011, 23:38 UTC |
| Rocket | Delta IV-M+(4,2) D353 |
| Launch site | Cape Canaveral SLC-37B |
| Orbital parameters | |
| Reference system | Geocentric |
| Regime | Geosynchronous |
Whilst details of its mission are officially classified, amateur observers have identified USA-227 as being a third-generation Satellite Data System satellite in geosynchronous orbit.[1] The first amateur observation of the satellite was made on 6 April 2011,[2][3] when the spacecraft was located at a longitude of 30.4 degrees west.[3] SDS satellites are used to relay data from American reconnaissance satellites to ground stations.
United Launch Alliance performed the launch of USA-227, using a Delta IV-M+(4,2) carrier rocket flying from Space Launch Complex 37B at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The launch occurred at 23:38 UTC on 11 March 2011.[4] Following liftoff the rocket flew east, placing the satellite into a geosynchronous transfer orbit. By 23:43 UTC, official updates on the status of the launch had been discontinued.[5]
References
- Ray, Justin (11 April 2011). "Information-routing satellite was deployed by Delta 4". Spaceflight Now. Retrieved 24 April 2011.
- Wakelin, Peter (7 April 2011). "SATOBS 2011 April 06-07". SeeSat-L. Retrieved 24 April 2011.
- Ted, Molczan (9 April 2011). "NROL-27 / USA 227 elements". SeeSat-L. Retrieved 24 April 2011.
- McDowell, Jonathan. "Launch Log". Jonathan's Space Page. Retrieved 24 April 2011.
- Ray, Justin. "Mission Status Center". Delta Mission Report. Spaceflight Now. Retrieved 24 April 2011.