![]() Launch of USA-268 | |
Mission type | Signals intelligence |
---|---|
Operator | National Reconnaissance Office |
COSPAR ID | 2016-036A![]() |
SATCATno. | 41584 |
Spacecraft properties | |
Spacecraft type | Advanced Orion |
Start of mission | |
Launch date | June 11, 2016, 17:51 (2016-06-11UTC17:51Z) 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 asNROL-37,[2] is an Americansignals intelligencesatellite. Though officially classified, it is presumed to be anAdvanced 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] fromSpace Launch Complex 37B, on its second attempt.[2] It was the ninth flight of aDelta IV Heavy,[2] and the fifth carrying an Advanced Orion.[5]
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