USA-225

USA-225, also known as the Rapid Pathfinder Prototype (RPP) and NRO Launch 66 (NROL-66), is an American satellite which was launched in 2011. The satellite is being used to perform technology demonstration and development experiments, including advanced dosimeters to characterize the space environment from a 1,200 kilometer low Earth orbit.[4] It is operated by the United States National Reconnaissance Office.[5]

USA-225
NROL-66, carrying advanced dosimeters, during ground processing
Mission typeTechnology
OperatorNRO
COSPAR ID2011-006A
SATCAT no.37364
Spacecraft properties
Launch mass350 kilograms (770 lb)[1]
Start of mission
Launch date6 February 2011, 12:26 (2011-02-06UTC12:26Z) UTC[2]
RocketMinotaur I SLV-10
Launch siteVandenberg SLC-8
ContractorOrbital Sciences
Orbital parameters
Reference systemGeocentric
RegimeLow Earth
Perigee altitude1,202 kilometers (747 mi)
Apogee altitude1,230 kilometers (760 mi)
Inclination90 degrees
Period109.76 minutes
Epoch6 February 2011[3]
 

Rapid Pathfinder was developed for less than US$20 million over a period of less than two years. Its dimensions are 0.5 m times 0.5 m times 0.5 m, and its mass including payload is 235 kg.[4]

A Minotaur I carrier rocket was used to launch USA-225, flying from Space Launch Complex 8 of the Vandenberg Air Force Base. The launch of was originally scheduled for March 2011; however, it was subsequently moved forwards to 5 February.[6] During the attempt to launch on 5 February 2011, a transmitter malfunctioned, and the launch attempt was scrubbed. Another attempt was scheduled for the next day. At 12:26 on 6 February 2011, the Minotaur lifted off, carrying USA-225 into orbit.[7] The launch was conducted by Orbital Sciences Corporation.

For launch, the RPP satellite was given the designation NRO Launch 66, or NROL-66. Upon reaching orbit it was named USA-225 in accordance with the usual naming system for American military spacecraft. The satellite received the International Designator 2011-006A, and the Satellite Catalog Number 37364.[8]

See also

References
  1. "UCS Satellite Database". Union of Concerned Scientists. Archived from the original on 4 January 2014. Retrieved 30 November 2013.
  2. McDowell, Jonathan. "Launch Log". Jonathan's Space Page. Retrieved 30 November 2013.
  3. McDowell, Jonathan. "Satellite Catalog". Jonathan's Space Page. Retrieved 30 November 2013.
  4. Carlson, Bruce (8 August 2011). "NRO's Historical, Current, and Potential Use of Small Satellites" (PDF). NRO. Retrieved 26 August 2011.
  5. Krebs, Gunter. "RPP". Gunter's Space Page. Retrieved 9 February 2011.
  6. "Launch Log". Tracking Station. Spaceflight Now. Retrieved 9 February 2011.
  7. Clark, Stephen (6 February 2011). "Classified satellite climbs to space on Minotaur rocket". Spaceflight Now. Retrieved 9 February 2011.
  8. "USA 225 Satellite details 2011-006A NORAD 37364". N2YO. Retrieved 9 February 2011.


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