 Launch of USA-268 | |
| Mission type | Signals intelligence |
|---|---|
| Operator | National Reconnaissance Office |
| COSPAR ID | 2016-036A |
| SATCAT no. | 41584 |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Spacecraft type | Advanced Orion |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | June 11, 2016, 17:51 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 as NROL-37, [2] is an American signals intelligence satellite. Though officially classified, it is presumed to be an Advanced 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] from Space Launch Complex 37B, on its second attempt. [2] It was the ninth flight of a Delta IV Heavy, [2] and the fifth carrying an Advanced Orion. [5]
