USA-268

USA-268, also known as NROL-37,^[2] 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.^[3]

USA-268

Launch of USA-268
Mission type	Signals intelligence
Operator	National Reconnaissance Office
COSPAR ID	2016-036A
SATCAT no.	41584
Spacecraft properties
Spacecraft type	Advanced Orion
Start of mission
Launch date	June 11, 2016, 17:51 (2016-06-11UTC17:51Z) UTC
Rocket	Delta IV Heavy
Launch site	Cape Canaveral SLC-37B
Orbital parameters
Reference system	Geocentric
Regime	Geostationary
Semi-major axis	42,165 kilometers (26,200 mi)[1]
Perigee altitude	35,587 kilometers (22,113 mi)[1]
Apogee altitude	36,002 kilometers (22,371 mi)[1]
Inclination	6.3 degrees[1]
Period	1436.1 minutes[1]

USA-268 was launched at 17:51 UTC on June 11, 2016^[4] from Space Launch Complex 37B, on its second attempt.^[2] It was the ninth flight of a Delta IV Heavy,^[2] and the fifth carrying an Advanced Orion.^[5]

See also

• Spaceflight portal

• List of NRO Launches
• 2016 in spaceflight