# USA-246

> United States military communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q15261061](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q15261061)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA-246)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/usa-246

## Summary
USA-246 is a United States military communications satellite, part of the Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) constellation. Launched in 2013, it provides secure, jam-resistant communications for military operations.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: September 18, 2013, at 08:10 UTC from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 41.
- **Operator**: United States Space Force.
- **Manufacturer**: Lockheed Martin Space and Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems.
- **Mass**: 6,168 kilograms.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Atlas V 531.
- **Spacecraft Bus**: A2100.
- **COSPAR ID**: 2013-050A.
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN)**: 39256.
- **Aliases**: AEHF-3.
- **Preceded by**: USA-235.
- **Followed by**: USA-288.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the purpose of USA-246?
A: USA-246 is a military communications satellite designed to provide secure, jam-resistant communications for the United States military.

### Q: When was USA-246 launched?
A: USA-246 was launched on September 18, 2013, at 08:10 UTC.

### Q: Who operates USA-246?
A: The United States Space Force operates USA-246.

### Q: What is the mass of USA-246?
A: The mass of USA-246 is 6,168 kilograms.

### Q: What is the COSPAR ID of USA-246?
A: The COSPAR ID of USA-246 is 2013-050A.

## Why It Matters
USA-246 plays a crucial role in enhancing the communication capabilities of the United States military. As part of the Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) constellation, it provides secure and reliable communications that are resistant to jamming and interference. This capability is essential for modern military operations, ensuring that critical information can be transmitted safely and efficiently. The satellite's advanced technology and robust design contribute to the overall effectiveness and readiness of the U.S. military, making it a vital asset in national defense.

## Notable For
- **Secure Communications**: Provides jam-resistant communications for military operations.
- **Advanced Technology**: Part of the AEHF constellation, known for its advanced communication capabilities.
- **High Mass**: Weighs 6,168 kilograms, indicating a substantial and robust satellite design.
- **Military Significance**: Operated by the United States Space Force, highlighting its importance in national defense.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Launched using the Atlas V 531, a powerful and reliable launch vehicle.

## Body
### Overview
USA-246 is a military communications satellite operated by the United States Space Force. It is part of the Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) constellation, which is designed to provide secure, jam-resistant communications for military operations.

### Launch Details
- **Launch Date**: September 18, 2013, at 08:10 UTC.
- **Launch Site**: Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 41.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Atlas V 531.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: 6,168 kilograms.
- **Spacecraft Bus**: A2100.
- **Manufacturer**: Lockheed Martin Space and Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems.
- **COSPAR ID**: 2013-050A.
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN)**: 39256.

### Operational Context
USA-246 follows USA-235 and is followed by USA-288 in the sequence of military communications satellites. It is designed to enhance the communication capabilities of the United States military, ensuring secure and reliable transmission of critical information.

### Image
An image of USA-246 can be found [here](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/AEHF_1.jpg).

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "USA-246",
  "description": "United States military communications satellite",
  "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA-246",
  "sameAs": ["https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q15257830", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA-246"],
  "additionalType": "Satellite"
}

## References

1. [Source](https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/products/aehf.html)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/displayTrajectory.action?id=2013-050A)
4. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/aehf-1.htm)