USA-236 , or NROL-38 ( eng. National Reconnaissance Office Launch ) is an American satellite launched in the interests of the US National Space Defense Agency .
| USA-236 | |
|---|---|
| NROL-38 | |
| Manufacturer |  |
| Operator | US National Space Administration |
| Satellite | Of the earth |
| Launch pad | Canaveral SLC41 |
| Carrier rocket | Atlas-5 |
| Launch | June 20, 2012 16:28 UTC |
| NSSDC ID | 2012-033A |
| SCN | 38466 |
The type of satellite is classified, information about it is based on the parameters of the launch and previous missions. The use of the Atlas V 401 rocket indicates a relatively low mass of the satellite, and the trajectory of its flight is about its launch into low-declination orbit. Most likely, this is a satellite communication system SDS in geostationary orbit. This system is designed for high-security transmission of intelligence, including from other satellites. USA-236 is the eighteenth satellite of the SDS system.
Links
- NSSDC Master Catalog. NROL-38 . (eng.)
- NASASpaceFlight.com. ULA Atlas V marks 50th EELV launch by lofting NROL-38 uphill Non-Com . Archived September 26, 2012. (eng.)
- SDS-3 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 (Quasar?) . Archived September 26, 2012. (eng.)