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Launch Success
Liftoff Time (GMT)
21:00:00
Thursday December 14, 2006
Watch Replay
Official Livestream
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.
Low Earth Orbit
1 Payload
2,268 kilograms
Agency
ULARocket
Height: 38.9m
Payload to Orbit
LEO: 4,844 kg
Liftoff Thrust
3,511 Kilonewtons
Fairing
Diameter: 3m
Height: 8.9m
Stages
2
Strap-ons
9
126th
Mission
6th
Mission of 2006
1st
Mission
2nd
Mission of 2006
60th
Orbital launch attempt