# USA-236

> American military communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q4052153](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4052153)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/usa-236

## Summary
USA-236 is an American military communications satellite launched on June 20, 2012, as part of the Satellite Data System. Operated by the National Reconnaissance Office, it was deployed using an Atlas V 401 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 41. The satellite is classified under the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program.

## Key Facts
- **Instance of**: Communications satellite and military satellite
- **Part of**: Satellite Data System, an American military satellite communication system
- **Sponsor/Operator**: National Reconnaissance Office (NRO)
- **Launch Date**: June 20, 2012, at 12:28 UTC
- **Launch Vehicle**: Atlas V 401 (AV-023) by United Launch Alliance
- **Launch Site**: Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 41
- **COSPAR ID**: 2012-033A
- **NSSDCA ID**: 2012-033A
- **Country of Origin**: United States
- **Aliases**: NRO Launch 38, NROL-38, L-38, Quasar 17, Drake

## FAQs
### Q: What is the purpose of USA-236?
A: USA-236 is a military communications satellite designed to support secure satellite communications for the U.S. government, operated by the National Reconnaissance Office.

### Q: When was USA-236 launched?
A: USA-236 was launched on June 20, 2012, at 12:28 UTC from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 41.

### Q: Which organization operates USA-236?
A: The National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) operates USA-236 as part of the Satellite Data System.

### Q: What launch vehicle was used for USA-236?
A: USA-236 was launched using an Atlas V 401 rocket (AV-023) by United Launch Alliance.

### Q: What are the other names of USA-236?
A: USA-236 is also known by the aliases NRO Launch 38, NROL-38, L-38, Quasar 17, and Drake.

## Why It Matters
USA-236 plays a critical role in the U.S. military's secure communications infrastructure, ensuring reliable and encrypted satellite-based data transmission for national defense and intelligence operations. As part of the Satellite Data System, it supports the National Reconnaissance Office's mission to provide advanced satellite communications capabilities. The satellite's launch and operation are part of ongoing efforts to maintain the U.S. military's technological edge in space-based communications. Its deployment underscores the importance of secure and resilient satellite networks in modern warfare and intelligence gathering.

## Notable For
- **Classified Military Satellite**: USA-236 is one of the many classified satellites operated by the NRO, emphasizing the U.S. government's focus on secure communications.
- **Atlas V 401 Launch**: The use of the Atlas V 401 rocket highlights the reliability and versatility of United Launch Alliance's launch vehicles for military missions.
- **Satellite Data System Integration**: As part of the Satellite Data System, USA-236 contributes to a broader network of satellites designed for secure military communications.
- **NRO Operations**: The satellite's operation by the NRO demonstrates the agency's role in maintaining the U.S. military's space-based communication capabilities.
- **Secure Communications**: USA-236 supports encrypted and secure data transmission, reflecting the NRO's emphasis on classified satellite communications.

## Body
### Overview
USA-236 is a military communications satellite launched on June 20, 2012, as part of the Satellite Data System. It was deployed using an Atlas V 401 rocket (AV-023) from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 41. The satellite is operated by the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) and is classified under the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program.

### Classification and Operation
- **Class**: Military satellite and communications satellite
- **Operator**: National Reconnaissance Office (NRO)
- **System**: Satellite Data System
- **Aliases**: NRO Launch 38, NROL-38, L-38, Quasar 17, Drake

### Launch Details
- **Launch Date**: June 20, 2012, at 12:28 UTC
- **Launch Vehicle**: Atlas V 401 (AV-023)
- **Launch Contractor**: United Launch Alliance
- **Launch Site**: Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 41

### Identification
- **COSPAR ID**: 2012-033A
- **NSSDCA ID**: 2012-033A

### Significance
USA-236 is part of the U.S. military's secure communications infrastructure, supporting intelligence and defense operations. Its launch and operation are part of the NRO's efforts to maintain advanced satellite communications capabilities. The satellite's deployment highlights the importance of secure and resilient satellite networks in modern military and intelligence operations.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report