# USA-158

> American geosynchronous military spacecraft of the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) fleet

**Wikidata**: [Q5877323](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q5877323)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/usa-158

## Summary
USA-158, also known as GeoLITE (Geosynchronous Lightweight Technology Experiment), is an American geosynchronous military spacecraft operated by the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO). Launched on May 18, 2001, it served as a technology demonstration satellite to test experimental technologies in space.

## Key Facts
- **Operator**: National Reconnaissance Office (NRO)
- **Launch Date**: May 18, 2001, at 17:45:01 UTC from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17B
- **Launch Vehicle**: Delta II (model D285)
- **Orbit**: Geostationary orbit
- **Mass**: Approximately 1,800 kilograms
- **Manufacturer**: TRW Inc. (general contractor), MIT Lincoln Laboratory (payload subcontractor), Hughes Aircraft Company (payload subcontractor)
- **Spacecraft Bus**: T310
- **Classifications**: Communications satellite, technology demonstration spacecraft
- **COSPAR ID**: 2001-020A
- **Aliases**: GeoLITE, Geosynchronous Lightweight Technology Experiment

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of USA-158?
A: USA-158, or GeoLITE, was a technology demonstration satellite designed to test experimental technologies in geostationary orbit.

### Q: Who operated USA-158?
A: The satellite was operated by the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), a U.S. intelligence agency responsible for reconnaissance spacecraft.

### Q: What launch vehicle was used to deploy USA-158?
A: USA-158 was launched aboard a Delta II rocket (model D285) on May 18, 2001, from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17B.

### Q: What was the mass of USA-158?
A: The satellite had a mass of approximately 1,800 kilograms.

### Q: What was the significance of GeoLITE?
A: GeoLITE was significant as it demonstrated lightweight technologies for future military and reconnaissance satellites in geostationary orbit.

## Why It Matters
USA-158, or GeoLITE, played a crucial role in advancing satellite technology for the U.S. military and intelligence community. As a technology demonstration spacecraft, it tested experimental systems in geostationary orbit, contributing to the development of more efficient and capable reconnaissance satellites. Its successful deployment and operation provided valuable data for future missions, ensuring the NRO could maintain its lead in space-based intelligence gathering. GeoLITE’s lightweight design and innovative payloads set a precedent for future military satellites, demonstrating the feasibility of advanced technologies in high-altitude orbits.

## Notable For
- **Technology Demonstration**: GeoLITE was a pioneering effort to test experimental technologies in geostationary orbit, paving the way for future military satellites.
- **Lightweight Design**: The satellite’s approximately 1,800 kg mass was notable for its time, showcasing advancements in satellite miniaturization.
- **NRO Collaboration**: The mission involved collaboration between TRW Inc., MIT Lincoln Laboratory, and Hughes Aircraft Company, highlighting the NRO’s reliance on industry partnerships.
- **Delta II Launch**: The deployment on a Delta II rocket (model D285) marked another successful mission in the Delta rocket family’s history.
- **Geostationary Orbit**: GeoLITE’s placement in geostationary orbit allowed for continuous coverage of specific regions, a critical capability for reconnaissance.

## Body
### Overview
USA-158, also known as GeoLITE, was a geosynchronous military spacecraft operated by the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO). Launched on May 18, 2001, it served as a technology demonstration satellite to test experimental technologies in space.

### Design and Specifications
- **Mass**: Approximately 1,800 kilograms.
- **Spacecraft Bus**: T310.
- **Payload**: Developed by MIT Lincoln Laboratory and Hughes Aircraft Company.
- **Manufacturer**: TRW Inc. served as the general contractor.

### Launch Details
- **Launch Date**: May 18, 2001, at 17:45:01 UTC.
- **Launch Site**: Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17B.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Delta II (model D285).

### Orbit and Operation
- **Orbit**: Geostationary orbit.
- **Operator**: National Reconnaissance Office (NRO).

### Significance
GeoLITE was significant for its role in demonstrating lightweight technologies for future military and reconnaissance satellites. Its successful deployment and operation provided valuable data for the NRO, ensuring the agency could maintain its lead in space-based intelligence gathering. The mission highlighted the importance of industry collaboration in advancing satellite technology.

### Legacy
GeoLITE’s legacy lies in its contribution to the development of more efficient and capable reconnaissance satellites. Its lightweight design and innovative payloads set a precedent for future military satellites, demonstrating the feasibility of advanced technologies in high-altitude orbits. The mission’s success underscored the NRO’s commitment to innovation and technological advancement in the field of space-based intelligence.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/geolite.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report