First detail image USA-290 (NROL-71)
Taken by Ralf Vandebergh on March 30, 2021 @
The Netherlands
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Details:
The probably first detail image of (Hubble-like) surveillance satellite USA-290 (NROL-71) taken on March 30 in reasonably favorable seeing conditions - though not the most favorable pass. (48 degrees WNW). Around the launch of USA-290 in 2019, it attracted the attention of observers because of its deviant orbital inclination of around 74 degrees, different then the other members of this satellite family. There were suspecions about USA-290 being a different then standard Advanced Crystal KH-12 design. These images suggest that in any case the rough design is of a normal KH-11 / KH-12.
Photographer's website:
https://http://www.ralfvandebergh-astrophotography.simpsite.nl/home
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