USA-215

USA-215, also known as NRO Launch 41 or NROL-41, is an American reconnaissance satellite, operated by the National Reconnaissance Office. Launched in 2010, it has been identified as the first in a new series of imaging radar satellites, developed as part of the Future Imagery Architecture programme, to replace the earlier Lacrosse spacecraft.

Launch

USA-215 was launched by an Atlas V launch vehicle, flying in the 501 configuration, operated by United Launch Alliance. The rocket was launched from Vandenberg [Space Launch Complex 3|Space Launch Complex 3E] at the Vandenberg [Air Force Base], at 04:03:30 UTC on 21 September 2010. It was identified as NRO Launch 41, and was the twenty-third flight of an Atlas V; the vehicle had the tail number AV-025, and was named Gladys.

Mission

The satellite's orbit and mission are officially classified; however, it has been located by amateur observers in a retrograde low Earth orbit. As of 14 February 2021, it was in an orbit with a perigee of, an apogee of and 122.99° of orbital inclination.