USA 276 (NROL-76 payload)
Taken by Marco Langbroek on May 25, 2017 @
Leiden, the Netherlands
Click photo for larger image
| |
Camera Used: Canon Canon EOS 60D
Exposure Time: 5/1
Aperture: f/2.5
ISO: 1000
Date Taken: 2017:05:25 11:52:34
|
|
| More images
Details:
The classified satellite USA 276 was launched from CCAF pad 39A by SpaceX on May 1, 2017, as NROL-76. This image shows it, along with a number of other objects (including the classified Milstar 3 r/b), passing over my home in Leiden, the Netherlands, last night near 3:07 am local time (01:07 UT). It was near magnitude +3 and fast.
It is in a curious orbit, that looks a bit like that of the ISS: 50 degree inclined, 400 km orbital altitude. We have no real idea what its purpose is but we expect a test of new radar technology, somewhat similar to the ill-fated USA 193.
Image was made with a Canon EOS 60D + EF 2.5/50mm, 1000 ISO, 5 seconds exposure.
Photographer's website:
http://sattrackcam.blogspot.com
|
|
|
