SDS-3

SDS-3 6

USA

Spacecraft n°:

US spacecraft n°:

SDS= Satellite Data System. - Also called: USA 227, NROL-27 and Gryphon

Prime manufactor	National Reconnaissance Laboratory
Platform
Operator	NROL, USAF
Mass at launch	kg
Dry Mass	kg
Basic shape
Dimension (m)
Equipment
Solar array
Stabilization
Propulsion
DC power
Design lifetime	> million years

Date	Position	Remarks
Sept 2011	30.4° W

Real-time data relay from reconnaissance satellites.
United Launch Alliance launched a Delta 4 Medium from Cape Canaveral on Mar 11, 2011 carrying a payload for the National Reconnaissance Office. The payload is thought to be a Satellite Data System communications satellite headed for geostationary orbit. The launch was designated NROL-27; the payload has the codename USA 227. The Delta 4 second stage probably made three burns before deploying the payload and will have ended up in near-geosynchronous orbit.

Launch cancel Goddard Space Flight Center.

Ref.: #7(JR639), #84, #206, #226 - update: 25.07.19