NROL-66, carrying advanced dosimeters, during ground processing |
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| Operator | NRO |
|---|---|
| Mission type | Technology |
| Launch date | 6 February 2011 12:26 UTC |
| Carrier rocket | Minotaur I SLV-10 |
| Launch site | Vandenberg SLC-8 |
| COSPAR ID | 2011-006A |
| Orbital elements | |
| Regime | Low Earth |
USA-225, also known as the Rapid Pathfinder Prototype (RPP) and NRO Launch 66 (NROL-66), is an American satellite which was launched in 2011. The satellite is being used to perform technology demonstration and development experiments, including advanced dosimeters to characterize the space environment from a 1,200 kilometer low Earth orbit.[1] It is operated by the United States National Reconnaissance Office.[2]
Rapid Pathfinder was developed for less than US$ 20 million over a period of less than two years. Its dimensions are 0.5 m times 0.5 m times 0.5 m, and its mass including payload is 235 kg.[1]
A Minotaur I carrier rocket was used to launch USA-225, flying from Space Launch Complex 8 of the Vandenberg Air Force Base. The launch of was originally scheduled for March 2011, however it was subsequently moved forwards to 5 February.[3] During the attempt to launch on 5 February 2011, a transmitter malfunctioned, and the launch attempt was scrubbed. Another attempt was scheduled for the next day. At 12:26 on 6 February 2011, the Minotaur lifted off, carrying USA-225 into orbit.[4] The launch was conducted by Orbital Sciences Corporation.
For launch, the RPP satellite was given the designation NRO Launch 66, or NROL-66. Upon reaching orbit it was named USA-225 in accordance with the usual naming system for American military spacecraft. The satellite received the International Designator 2011-006A, and the Satellite Catalog Number 37364.[5]
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