NEXT SPACEFLIGHT

Status

Success

Orion 7 (USA-223) (NROL-32)

Launch Time
Sun Nov 21, 2010 22:58 UTC

Rocket

Delta IV Heavy
Image Credit: ULA
ULA
Status: Retired
Price: $350.0 million
Liftoff Thrust: 9,411 kN
Payload to LEO: 28,370 kg
Payload to GTO: 13,810 kg
Stages: 2
Strap-ons: 2
Rocket Height: 72.0 m
Fairing Diameter: 5.1 m
Fairing Height: 19.1 m

Mission Details

Orion 7 (USA-223) (NROL-32)

Whilst details of its mission are officially classified, amateur observers have identified USA-223 as an Orion satellite; the seventh in the Magnum/Orion series. Orion spacecraft are used for electronic signals intelligence, and carry large antennas to enable them to intercept radio transmissions. These antennas are believed to have a diameter of around 100 metres (330 ft). Bruce A. Carlson, the director of the NRO, described the spacecraft as being one of the largest satellites ever launched.

Payloads: 1
Geosynchronous Orbit

Location

SLC-37B, Cape Canaveral SFS, Florida, USA

Stats

2010

65th orbital launch attempt

United Launch Alliance

45th mission
8th mission of 2010
44th successful mission
40th consecutive successful mission

Delta IV Heavy

4th mission
1st mission of 2010
3rd successful mission
3rd consecutive successful mission