USA-200

USA-200, also known as NRO Launch 28 or NROL-28, is an American signals intelligence satellite, operated by the National Reconnaissance Office. Launched in 2008, it has been identified as the second satellite in a series known as Improved Trumpet, Advanced Trumpet, or Trumpet follow-on; a replacement for the earlier Trumpet series of satellites.[2]

The infrared image of a Delta II rocket launch, captured by SBIRS-HEO sensors aboard USA-200.

USA-200
Atlas V carrying NROL-28 satellite awaiting launch at SLC-3E.
NamesNROL-28
Mission typeSIGINT
OperatorUnited States NRO
COSPAR ID2008-010A
SATCAT no.32706
Start of mission
Launch date13 March 2008, 10:02 UTC
RocketAtlas V 411 (AV-006)
Launch siteVandenberg, SLC-3E
ContractorLockheed Martin Commercial Launch Service
Orbital parameters
Reference systemGeocentric orbit[1]
RegimeMolniya orbit
Perigee altitude1,112 km (691 mi)
Apogee altitude37,580 km (23,350 mi)
Inclination63.56°
Period684.33 minutes
Instruments
Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS-HEO 2)
Magnetospheric science instrument (TWINS-B)

NROL-28 mission patch  

Launch

USA-200 was launched by an Atlas V launch vehicle, flying in the 411 configuration, operated by United Launch Alliance. The launch vehicle was the first Atlas V to launch from Vandenberg Air Force Base, flying from Space Launch Complex 3E.[3] Liftoff occurred at 10:02 UTC on 13 March 2008.[4][5] It was identified as NRO Launch 28,[6] and was the thirteenth flight of an Atlas V. The launch vehicle had the tail number AV-006.[4]

Orbit

The satellite's orbit and mission are officially classified, however like most classified spacecraft it has been located and tracked by amateur observers. It is in a Molniya orbit with a perigee of 1,112 km (691 mi), an apogee of 37,580 km (23,350 mi), and 63.56° of orbital inclination and 684.33 minutes of orbital period.[1]

Instruments

In addition to its SIGINT payload, USA-200 also carries two secondary instruments; the SBIRS-HEO 2 missile detection payload as part of the Space-Based Infrared System programme, and NASA's TWINS-2 or TWINS-B magnetospheric science instrument as part of the TWINS programme.[2]

See also

References
  1. "Satellite Catalog". Jonathan's Space Report. 21 July 2021. Retrieved 19 December 2021.
  2. Krebs, Gunter. ""Trumpet F/O" 1, 2, 3". Gunter's Space Page. Retrieved 11 April 2012.
  3. Ray, Justin (13 March 2008). "Atlas 5 rocket launches from California for first time". Spaceflight Now. Retrieved 11 April 2012.
  4. McDowell, Jonathan (15 December 2021). "Launch Log". Jonathan's Space Report. Retrieved 19 December 2021.
  5. Ray, Justin (13 March 2008). "Atlas Launch Report - Mission Status Center". Spaceflight Now. Retrieved 11 April 2012.
  6. Krebs, Gunter. "NROL launches". Gunter's Space Page. Retrieved 11 April 2012.
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