# USA-215

> American reconnaissance satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q7865684](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7865684)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA-215)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/usa-215

## Summary
USA-215 is an American reconnaissance satellite launched on September 21, 2010. Also known as NROL-41, it's part of the Future Imagery Architecture program and uses radar imaging capabilities for intelligence gathering.

## Key Facts
- USA-215 is classified as a reconnaissance satellite designed for covert intelligence collection
- It was launched on September 21, 2010, at 04:03:30 UTC from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 3 East
- The satellite uses radar imaging technology for reconnaissance capabilities
- USA-215 was manufactured by Lockheed Martin and launched by United Launch Alliance using an Atlas V 501 rocket (designated AV-025)
- It's part of the Future Imaging Architecture program, a canceled American spy satellite program
- The satellite is operated by the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) which also sponsored its development
- USA-215 has the COSPAR ID 2010-046A
- Alternative names include NRO Launch 41, NROL-41, L-41, Topaz 1, and Gladys

## FAQs
### Q: What is USA-215 used for?
A: USA-215 is an American reconnaissance satellite that uses radar imaging technology to covertly collect intelligence data for military applications. It's operated by the National Reconnaissance Office for national security purposes.

### Q: When and how was USA-215 launched?
A: USA-215 was launched on September 21, 2010, at 04:03:30 UTC from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 3 East. It was launched by United Launch Alliance using an Atlas V 501 rocket (designated AV-025).

### Q: Who manufactured and operates USA-215?
A: USA-215 was manufactured by Lockheed Martin and is operated by the National Reconnaissance Office, which also sponsored the satellite's development as part of the Future Imagery Architecture program.

### Q: What program is USA-215 part of?
A: USA-215 is part of the Future Imagery Architecture, a canceled American spy satellite program developed for the National Reconnaissance Office to enhance reconnaissance capabilities.

## Why It Matters
USA-215 represents a significant capability in American space-based intelligence gathering, specifically through its radar imaging technology which allows for all-weather, day-night reconnaissance. As part of the Future Imagery Architecture program, it contributed to advancing U.S. capabilities for monitoring global events and gathering critical intelligence. Despite the eventual cancellation of the larger program, individual satellites like USA-215 continue to serve national security needs by providing valuable surveillance data that supports military operations, strategic decision-making, and threat assessment.

## Notable For
- Being part of the Future Imagery Architecture program, despite the program's eventual cancellation
- Using radar imaging technology, enabling all-weather day-night reconnaissance capabilities
- Having multiple designations including NRO Launch 41, NROL-41, L-41, Topaz 1, and Gladys
- Launched using the Atlas V 501 configuration, indicating a significant payload capacity
- Manufactured by Lockheed Martin, one of the primary contractors for U.S. reconnaissance satellites

## Body
### Overview
USA-215 is an American reconnaissance satellite that belongs to the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO). The satellite is part of the Future Imagery Architecture program, which was a spy satellite program that has since been canceled. USA-215 is also known by several alternative names including NRO Launch 41 (NROL-41), L-41, Topaz 1, and Gladys.

### Technical Specifications
- **Primary Function**: Radar imaging reconnaissance
- **Launch Vehicle**: Atlas V 501 (designated AV-025)
- **Manufacturer**: Lockheed Martin
- **Launch Contractor**: United Launch Alliance
- **Launch Date**: September 21, 2010, at 04:03:30 UTC
- **Launch Site**: Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 3 East
- **COSPAR ID**: 2010-046A
- **Control Number**: SCN: 37162
- **Freebase ID**: /m/0j9p6k4

### Program Context
USA-215 is classified as a reconnaissance satellite, which are satellites that covertly collect data for intelligence or military applications. It was sponsored by the National Reconnaissance Office, which also serves as the satellite's operator. The satellite is part of the Future Imagery Architecture, a now-canceled American spy satellite program.

### Naming and Classification
The satellite has multiple designations reflecting different naming conventions:
- Official designation: USA-215
- NRO launch designation: NRO Launch 41 or NROL-41
- Launch designation: L-41
- Program-related names: Topaz 1 and Gladys

USA-215 is categorized as a reconnaissance satellite and is a component of the Future Imagery Architecture program. It is of American origin and has been documented in multiple Wikipedia language editions, including English, Japanese, Latvian, Portuguese, and Wikimedia Commons.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013