# USA-247

> American reconnaissance satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q15283315](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q15283315)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA-247)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/usa-247

## Summary
USA-247, also known by the codenames NROL-39 and Topaz 3, is an American reconnaissance satellite operated by the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO). Launched on December 6, 2013, the spacecraft is designed specifically for radar imaging intelligence gathering. It was manufactured by Lockheed Martin and deployed using an Atlas V 501 launch vehicle.

## Key Facts
- **Alternate Names:** NRO Launch 39, NROL-39, L-39, Topaz 3
- **International Designator (COSPAR ID):** 2013-072A
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 39462
- **Launch Date:** December 6, 2013, at 07:14 UTC
- **Launch Site:** Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 3 East
- **Launch Vehicle:** Atlas V 501 (Vehicle ID: AV-042)
- **Primary Function:** Radar imaging reconnaissance
- **Operator & Sponsor:** National Reconnaissance Office (NRO)
- **Manufacturer:** Lockheed Martin
- **Program Affiliation:** Part of the Future Imagery Architecture program
- **Country of Origin:** United States

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary mission of USA-247?
A: USA-247 is a reconnaissance satellite used for radar imaging. Its role is to covertly collect data for intelligence or military applications.

### Q: When and how was USA-247 launched?
A: The satellite was launched on December 6, 2013, aboard an Atlas V 501 rocket (AV-042) from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 3 East. The launch was contracted to United Launch Alliance.

### Q: Who manufactures and operates USA-247?
A: The satellite was manufactured by Lockheed Martin and is operated and sponsored by the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO).

## Why It Matters
USA-247 represents a critical component of the United States' space-based intelligence infrastructure. As a radar imaging satellite (identified in public sources as part of the "Topaz" series), it provides the capability to gather intelligence through various weather conditions and cloud cover, a distinct advantage over optical imaging satellites.

The satellite is associated with the **Future Imagery Architecture (FIA)** program, a significant (though reportedly troubled and subsequently cancelled in its original optical form) effort by the U.S. government to modernize satellite reconnaissance. The existence of USA-247 highlights the continued reliance on radar technology for military surveillance. Its launch aboard the Atlas V 501 and operation by the NRO underscores the collaboration between major defense contractors like Lockheed Martin and United Launch Alliance in maintaining national security assets.

## Notable For
- **Radar Imaging Capability:** Unlike standard optical satellites, it utilizes radar to image the Earth, allowing for data collection regardless of daylight or cloud cover.
- **Topaz Series:** Identified as "Topaz 3," indicating it is the third unit in a specific class of radar reconnaissance satellites.
- **Future Imagery Architecture Lineage:** It is structurally linked to the Future Imagery Architecture program, a major U.S. spy satellite initiative.
- **Atlas V 501 Deployment:** It utilized the Atlas V 501 configuration, a specific variant of the launch vehicle used for medium-class payloads.

## Body

### Mission and Classification
USA-247 is classified as a **reconnaissance satellite**, defined as a satellite that covertly collects data for intelligence or military applications. Specifically, its listed use is **radar imaging**. It is also known by the alias **Topaz 3**.

The satellite is a product of the **Future Imagery Architecture** program. While the Future Imagery Architecture is historically noted as a cancelled American spy satellite program in some contexts, USA-247 is listed as a "part of" this class or lineage.

### Manufacturer and Operations
The spacecraft was manufactured by **Lockheed Martin**. It is both sponsored and operated by the **National Reconnaissance Office (NRO)**, the agency responsible for the design, construction, and operation of U.S. reconnaissance satellites.

### Launch Details
USA-247 was successfully launched on **December 6, 2013**, with a precise launch time of **07:14**.
- **Launch Vehicle:** The satellite was deployed using an **Atlas V 501** rocket.
- **Vehicle Serial:** The specific rocket used was identified as **AV-042**.
- **Launch Contractor:** The launch service was provided by **United Launch Alliance**.
- **Location:** The launch originated from **Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 3 East** in the United States.

### Identification and Technical Data
- **COSPAR ID:** 2013-072A
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 39462
- **Country:** United States
- **Wikimedia Commons Category:** NROL-39

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report