USA-336, also known as SBIRS-GEO 6 (Space Based Infrared System - Geostationary), is a geostationary satellite operated by the United States Space Force (formerly operated by the United States Air Force). USA-336 forms part of the SBIRS High program.[1][4]

USA-336
The launch of Atlas V 421, the rocket that carried USA-336
NamesUSA-336
SBIRS-GEO 6
Mission typeEarly Warning
OperatorUnited States Air Force / United States Space Force
COSPAR ID2022-092A
Spacecraft properties
ManufacturerLockheed Martin
Launch mass4,500 kg (9,900 lb)[1]
Power2 deployable solar arrays, batteries
Start of mission
Launch dateAugust 4, 2022, 6:29 am EDT[2]
RocketAtlas V
Launch siteCape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida
ContractorUnited Launch Alliance
Orbital parameters
RegimeGeostationary
Longitude138.92°[3]
Altitude35,799 km (22,244 mi)[3]
Period23 hours 56 minutes[3]
Velocity3 km/s (1.9 mi/s)[3]

Overview

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USA-336 is a three-axis stabilized satellite equipped with an Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) scanner.[5] USA-336 uses its OPIR scanner and long-range surveillance to provide early warning for Ballistic Missile launches.[1][4] It will replace older Defense Support Program satellites.[5]

References

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  1. ^ a b c Krebs, Gunter D. (2023), SBIRS-GEO 5, 6, Gunter Space Page, retrieved January 15, 2024
  2. ^ SBIRS GEO 6 Launch Blog (2022), United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches Missile Warning Satellite for U.S. Space Force, United Launch Alliance, retrieved January 15, 2024{{citation}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  3. ^ a b c d SBIRS GEO 6 (USA 336), n2yo.com, 2022, retrieved January 15, 2024
  4. ^ a b Hodgman, James (2022), SLD 45 to support SBIRS GEO Launch, Last Satellite for Infrared Constellation, United States Space Force, retrieved January 15, 2024
  5. ^ a b Williams, David R. (2022), SBIRS-GEO 6, NASA Space Science Data Coordinated Archive, retrieved January 15, 2024