# USA-227

> reconnaissance satellite for the National Reconnaissance Office

**Wikidata**: [Q7865686](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7865686)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA-227)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/usa-227

## Summary
USA-227 is a reconnaissance satellite operated by the National Reconnaissance Office for military intelligence gathering. Also known as NRO Launch 27 (NROL-27), this satellite was launched on March 11, 2011, as part of the American military satellite communication system known as the Satellite Data System.

## Key Facts
- USA-227 (also known as NRO Launch 27 or NROL-27) is a reconnaissance satellite operated by the National Reconnaissance Office
- The satellite was launched on March 11, 2011 at 23:38 from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 37
- It was launched using a Delta IV Medium+(4,2) launch vehicle, with the vehicle designation D-353
- The satellite has the COSPAR ID 2011-011A and NSSDCA ID 2011-011A
- USA-227 is part of the Satellite Data System, an American military satellite communication system
- The satellite was launched by United Launch Alliance
- USA-227 belongs to both the military satellite and communications satellite classes
- The satellite has the Freebase ID /m/0glpmyh and SCN value 37377
- It is represented by the mission patch available at https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/NROL-27_Mission_Patch.png

## FAQs
### Q: What is the purpose of USA-227?
A: USA-227 is a reconnaissance satellite operated by the National Reconnaissance Office for military intelligence gathering purposes. It is designed to collect and transmit classified intelligence data to support national security objectives.

### Q: When and how was USA-227 launched?
A: USA-227 was launched on March 11, 2011 at 23:38 from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 37. It was carried into orbit by a Delta IV Medium+(4,2) launch vehicle, which was operated by United Launch Alliance.

### Q: What is the relationship between USA-227 and the Satellite Data System?
A: USA-227 is part of the Satellite Data System, which is an American military satellite communication system. This system facilitates the secure transmission of data from reconnaissance satellites to ground stations.

### Q: What are the alternative names for USA-227?
A: USA-227 is also known by several aliases including NRO Launch 27, NROL-27, and L-27. These designations reflect its place in the National Reconnaissance Office's launch sequence and naming conventions.

### Q: Who operates USA-227?
A: USA-227 is operated by the National Reconnaissance Office, which is a United States government agency responsible for designing, building, and operating the nation's reconnaissance satellites.

## Why It Matters
USA-227 represents a critical component of the United States' space-based reconnaissance capabilities, essential for maintaining national security through intelligence gathering. As part of the Satellite Data System, it enables secure transmission of classified information from orbit to Earth-based intelligence facilities. This satellite contributes to the broader network of reconnaissance assets that provide real-time surveillance capabilities, strategic intelligence, and support for military operations worldwide. The successful launch and operation of USA-227 demonstrate the United States' continued commitment to maintaining technological superiority in space-based reconnaissance systems, which are increasingly vital in modern geopolitical contexts.

## Notable For
- As part of the National Reconnaissance Office's classified satellite program, USA-227 contributes to one of the most advanced military reconnaissance systems in the world
- The satellite was launched on a Delta IV Medium+(4,2) launch vehicle, representing a specific configuration within the Delta IV family of launch vehicles
- USA-227 carries the NROL-27 designation, indicating its place in the National Reconnaissance Office's sequential launch numbering system
- It is one of the few satellites with both military reconnaissance and communications capabilities, serving dual purposes within the Satellite Data System

## Body
### Overview
USA-227 is a reconnaissance satellite operated by the National Reconnaissance Office, a United States government agency responsible for space reconnaissance. The satellite is also known by several aliases including NRO Launch 27, NROL-27, and L-27, following the National Reconnaissance Office's naming conventions for their classified satellite launches.

### Technical Specifications
- Classification: Military satellite, Communications satellite
- COSPAR ID: 2011-011A
- NSSDCA ID: 2011-011A
- SCN Value: 37377
- Freebase ID: /m/0glpmyh
- Mission Patch: Available at https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/NROL-27_Mission_Patch.png

### Launch Details
- Launch Date: March 11, 2011
- Launch Time: 23:38
- Launch Site: Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 37
- Launch Vehicle: Delta IV Medium+(4,2) (Designation: D-353)
- Launch Contractor: United Launch Alliance

### System Integration
- Part of: Satellite Data System
- Country of Origin: United States
- Sponsor: National Reconnaissance Office
- Operator: National Reconnaissance Office
- Related Systems: Military satellite communications infrastructure

### Classification and Designation
- Instance Of: Communications satellite, Military satellite
- Wikipedia Title: USA-227
- Commons Category: NROL-27
- Wikipedia Languages: Commons, English, Latvian
- SiteLink Count: 3

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report