USA-268 explained

USA-268
Mission Type:Signals intelligence
Operator:National Reconnaissance Office
Cospar Id:2016-036A
Satcat:41584
Spacecraft Type:Advanced Orion
Launch Date: UTC
Launch Rocket:Delta IV Heavy
Launch Site:Cape Canaveral SLC-37B
Orbit Reference:Geocentric
Orbit Regime:Geostationary
Orbit Periapsis:35587km (22,113miles)
Orbit Apoapsis:36002km (22,371miles)
Orbit Semimajor:42165km (26,200miles)
Orbit Inclination:6.3 degrees
Orbit Period:1436.1 minutes
Apsis:gee
Auto:all

USA-268, also known as NROL-37, is an American signals intelligence satellite. Though officially classified, it is presumed to be an Advanced Orion satellite, making it one of the largest and most expensive satellites ever built.

Launch

USA-268 was launched at 17:51 UTC on June 11, 2016 from Space Launch Complex 37B, on its second attempt. It was the ninth flight of a Delta IV Heavy, and the fifth carrying an Advanced Orion.

See also