NEXT SPACEFLIGHT

Status

Success

(USA-193) (NROL-21)

Launch Time
Thu Dec 14, 2006 21:00 UTC

Rocket

Delta II 7920-10C
Image Credit: ULA
ULA
Status: Retired
Liftoff Thrust: 3,511 kN
Payload to LEO: 4,844 kg
Stages: 2
Strap-ons: 9
Rocket Height: 38.9 m
Fairing Diameter: 3.0 m
Fairing Height: 8.9 m

Mission Details

(USA-193) (NROL-21)

USA-193, also known as NROL-21 21, was a U.S. military reconnaissance satellite (radar imaging) launched on 14 December 2006. It was the first launch conducted by the United Launch Alliance. Owned by the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), the craft's precise function and purpose were classified.

The satellite malfunctioned shortly after deployment and was intentionally destroyed 14 months later on 21 February 2008 by a modified SM-3 missile fired from the warship USS Lake Erie, stationed west of Hawaii. The event highlighted growing distrust between the U.S. and China, and was viewed by some to be part of a wider "space race" involving the U.S., China, and Russia.

It was the first launch by United Launch Alliance since it was formed in December 2006, and the first Delta II launch since ULA acquisition.

Payloads: 1
Total Mass: 2,268.0 kg
Low Earth Orbit

Location

SLC-2W, Vandenberg SFB, California, USA

Stats

2006

60th orbital launch attempt

United Launch Alliance

1st mission
2nd mission of 2006
1st successful mission

Delta II

126th mission
6th mission of 2006
124th successful mission
71st consecutive successful mission