# USA-229
**Wikidata**: [Q7865689](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7865689)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA-229)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/usa-229

## Summary
USA-229 is a reconnaissance satellite operated by the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO). It was launched on April 15, 2011, using an Atlas V 411 rocket from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 3. The satellite is classified as a reconnaissance satellite, meaning it collects intelligence or military data covertly.

## Key Facts
- **Class**: Reconnaissance satellite (covertly collects data for intelligence or military applications)
- **Operator**: National Reconnaissance Office (NRO)
- **Launch Date**: April 15, 2011
- **Launch Vehicle**: Atlas V 411
- **Launch Site**: Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 3
- **COSPAR ID**: 2011-014A
- **Instance Of**: Reconnaissance satellite
- **Significant Event**: Rocket launch on April 15, 2011, from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 3

## FAQs
### Q: What type of satellite is USA-229?
A: USA-229 is a reconnaissance satellite, designed to covertly collect data for intelligence or military applications.

### Q: Who operates USA-229?
A: The satellite is operated by the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), a U.S. government agency responsible for reconnaissance satellites.

### Q: When was USA-229 launched?
A: USA-229 was launched on April 15, 2011, using an Atlas V 411 rocket from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 3.

### Q: What launch vehicle was used for USA-229?
A: The satellite was launched using an Atlas V 411 rocket, a United Launch Alliance launch vehicle.

### Q: Where was USA-229 launched from?
A: USA-229 was launched from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 3, a spaceport in California.

## Why It Matters
USA-229 is part of the U.S. government's fleet of reconnaissance satellites, which play a critical role in national security by providing intelligence data for military and government agencies. As a classified satellite, its specific capabilities and missions are not publicly disclosed, but its launch and operation are part of ongoing efforts to maintain U.S. surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. The satellite's deployment contributes to the broader mission of the National Reconnaissance Office to support national defense and intelligence gathering.

## Notable For
- **Classified Mission**: As a reconnaissance satellite, USA-229 operates in a highly classified capacity, with its specific functions and data collection methods not publicly disclosed.
- **Atlas V 411 Launch**: The satellite was launched using an Atlas V 411 rocket, a variant of the Atlas V launch vehicle known for its reliability and versatility in launching government and military payloads.
- **Vandenberg Launch Site**: The launch from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 3 allowed for a polar or sun-synchronous orbit, which is common for reconnaissance satellites requiring consistent coverage of Earth's polar regions.
- **NRO Operation**: The satellite is operated by the National Reconnaissance Office, which manages a fleet of reconnaissance satellites critical to U.S. intelligence and defense.

## Body
### Classification and Purpose
USA-229 is classified as a reconnaissance satellite, meaning it is designed to covertly collect data for intelligence or military applications. The National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) operates the satellite, which is part of the broader U.S. government's reconnaissance capabilities.

### Launch Details
- **Launch Date**: April 15, 2011
- **Launch Vehicle**: Atlas V 411, a United Launch Alliance rocket
- **Launch Site**: Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 3, a spaceport in California
- **COSPAR ID**: 2011-014A

### Operational Context
The satellite was launched as part of the NRO's ongoing efforts to maintain and enhance reconnaissance capabilities. The Atlas V 411 rocket was chosen for its reliability and ability to deploy payloads into various orbits, including those suitable for reconnaissance missions. The launch from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 3 allowed for a polar or sun-synchronous orbit, which is often used for reconnaissance satellites to ensure consistent coverage of Earth's polar regions.

### Significance
USA-229 is notable for its role in the NRO's reconnaissance satellite fleet, which supports national security and intelligence gathering. While the satellite's specific functions are classified, its launch and operation are part of the broader efforts to maintain U.S. surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. The Atlas V 411 launch vehicle and Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 3 were instrumental in the successful deployment of the satellite.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report