USA-273

USA-273, also known as SBIRS-GEO 3, is an American military satellite and part of the Space-Based Infrared System. It was launched on January 21, 2017 from Cape Canaveral, atop an Atlas V rocket.

USA-273
Launch of USA-273 on an Atlas V.
Mission typeInfrared early warning
IRINT
OperatorUnited States Air Force
COSPAR ID2017-004A
SATCAT no.41937
Spacecraft properties
Spacecraft typeSBIRS-GEO
BusA2100M
ManufacturerLockheed Martin
Powerwatts
Start of mission
Launch date21 January 2017, 00:42 (2017-01-21UTC00:42Z) UTC[1]
RocketAtlas V 401 AV-066[1]
Launch siteCape Canaveral, SLC-41
ContractorULA
Orbital parameters
Reference systemGeocentric
RegimeGEO
 

Overview

The SBIRS satellites are a replacement for the Defense Support Program early warning system. They are intended to detect ballistic missile launches, as well as various other events in the infrared spectrum, including nuclear explosions, aircraft flights, space object entries and reentries, wildfires and spacecraft launches.

SBIRS-GEO 3 was manufactured by Lockheed Martin and is built upon the A2100M satellite bus.

References

  1. Ray, Justin (21 January 2017). "Atlas 5 rocket successfully delivers vital national asset into space". Spaceflight Now. Retrieved 21 January 2017.
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