| Names | NROL-27 NRO Launch 27 |
|---|---|
| Mission type | Communication |
| Operator | NRO |
| COSPAR ID | 2011-011A |
| SATCAT no. | 37377 |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Spacecraft type | SDS-3 |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | 11 March 2011, 23:38:00 UTC |
| Rocket |
Delta IV-M+(4,2) (Delta D353) |
| Launch site | Cape Canaveral, SLC-37B |
| Contractor | United Launch Alliance |
| Orbital parameters | |
| Reference system | Geocentric orbit |
| Regime | Geosynchronous orbit |
| Longitude | 30.4° West |
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.
Launch
United Launch Alliance (ULA) performed the launch of USA-227, using a Delta IV-M+(4,2) launch vehicle flying from Space Launch Complex 37B at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS). The launch occurred at 23:38:00 UTC on 11 March 2011. [1] 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. [2]
Mission
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. [3] The first amateur observation of the satellite was made on 6 April 2011, [4] [5] when the spacecraft was located at a longitude of 30.4° west. [5] SDS satellites are used to relay data from American reconnaissance satellites to ground stations.
References
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ a b Ted, Molczan (9 April 2011). "NROL-27 / USA 227". SeeSat-L. Retrieved 24 April 2011.
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