| Names | NROL-27 NRO Launch 27 |
|---|---|
| Mission type | Communication |
| Operator | NRO |
| COSPAR ID | 2011-011A |
| SATCATno. | 37377 |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Spacecraft type | SDS-3 |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | 11 March 2011, 23:38:00UTC |
| 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 asNRO Launch 27 (NROL-27), is an Americancommunications satellite which was launched in 2011. It is operated by theUnited States National Reconnaissance Office.
United Launch Alliance (ULA) performed the launch of USA-227, using aDelta IV-M+(4,2)launch vehicle flying fromSpace Launch Complex 37B at theCape 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 ageosynchronous transfer orbit. By 23:43 UTC, official updates on the status of the launch had been discontinued.[2]
Whilst details of its mission are officially classified, amateur observers have identified USA-227 as being a third-generationSatellite Data System satellite ingeosynchronous orbit.[3] The first amateur observation of the satellite was made on 6 April 2011,[4][5] when the spacecraft was located at alongitude of 30.4° west.[5] SDS satellites are used to relay data from American reconnaissance satellites toground stations.
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