# USA-221

> satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q7865682](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7865682)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA-221)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/usa-221

## Summary  
USA-221 is a military satellite operated by the United States Air Force Academy. It was launched on November 20, 2010, aboard a Minotaur IV rocket from the Pacific Spaceport Complex – Alaska. Also known as FalconSat 5, it serves military purposes in space.

## Key Facts  
- **Class**: Military satellite ([source](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q328))  
- **Launch Date**: November 20, 2010 ([source](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Minotaur IV ([source](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  
- **Launch Site**: Pacific Spaceport Complex – Alaska ([source](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  
- **Operator**: United States Air Force Academy ([source](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q328))  
- **COSPAR ID**: 2010-062E ([source](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q328))  
- **Alias**: FalconSat 5  
- **Spacecraft Catalog Number**: 37226 ([source](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  

## FAQs  
### Q: What is USA-221 used for?  
A: USA-221 is a military satellite designed for defense-related operations in space, though its specific missions are classified.  

### Q: Who operates USA-221?  
A: The United States Air Force Academy is responsible for operating USA-221.  

### Q: When was USA-221 launched?  
A: It was launched on November 20, 2010, from the Pacific Spaceport Complex – Alaska.  

## Why It Matters  
USA-221 represents a key asset in military space operations, contributing to national security and strategic defense capabilities. Its launch aboard the Minotaur IV, a repurposed ICBM-derived vehicle, highlights the dual-use nature of space technology. By deploying such satellites, the U.S. enhances its ability to monitor threats, secure communications, and maintain dominance in space. The involvement of the United States Air Force Academy also underscores the integration of military training with advanced space missions.  

## Notable For  
- **Military Role**: One of many satellites dedicated to U.S. defense operations.  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Used Minotaur IV, derived from the Peacekeeper ICBM.  
- **Operator**: Managed by the United States Air Force Academy, linking education with operational missions.  

## Body  
### Launch Details  
- **Date**: November 20, 2010  
- **Site**: Pacific Spaceport Complex – Alaska  
- **Vehicle**: Minotaur IV ([source](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  

### Technical Specifications  
- **Catalog Number**: 37226 ([source](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  
- **COSPAR ID**: 2010-062E ([source](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q328))  

### Operational Context  
- **Operator**: United States Air Force Academy ([source](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q328))  
- **Alias**: Also referred to as FalconSat 5  

### Classification  
- **Type**: Military satellite ([source](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q8449))

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report