Quasar-20 (USA-269) (NROL-61)

Launch Success

Liftoff Time (GMT)

12:37:00

Thursday July 28, 2016

Watch Replay

Official Livestream

Mission Details

Read Article

Quasar-20 (USA-269) (NROL-61)

Wiki

The fourth generation of Quasar satellites, also known as SDS-4, represents the latest evolution in the Satellite Data System (SDS) developed by the United States Air Force. Building upon the capabilities of previous generations, SDS-4 continues to serve as a critical communication relay for real-time data from US reconnaissance satellites and supports communication needs for USAF aircraft and ground stations. While specific details about SDS-4 remain classified, it likely incorporates state-of-the-art technology advancements to further improve data transmission rates, communication reliability, and overall performance.

Geostationary Earth Orbit

1 Payload

Rocket

Retired
Atlas V 421

Active 2007 to 2022

United Launch Alliance logo

Agency

ULA

Price

$123.00 million

Rocket

Diameter: 3.81m

Height: 58.3m

Payload to Orbit

LEO: 13,600 kg

GTO: 6,890 kg

Liftoff Thrust

7,152 Kilonewtons

Fairing

Diameter: 4.2m

Height: 13.8m

Stages

2

Strap-ons

2

Launch Site

SLC-41

Cape Canaveral SFS, Florida, USA

Fastest Turnaround

15 days 22 hours

Stats

Atlas V


64th

Mission

4th

Mission of 2016

United Launch Alliance


109th

Mission

6th

Mission of 2016

2016


47th

Orbital launch attempt