# USA 257
**Wikidata**: [Q18220634](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q18220634)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/usa-257

## Summary
USA 257 is a military satellite launched by the United States on September 17, 2014. Also known by the alias Nemesis 2, it is an artificial satellite used for military purposes and is part of the Nemesis program. The spacecraft was deployed into orbit using an Atlas V 401 launch vehicle from Cape Canaveral.

## Key Facts
- **Classification:** Military satellite (artificial satellite used for military purposes)
- **Launch Date:** September 17, 2014
- **Launch Vehicle:** Atlas V 401 (United Launch Alliance)
- **Launch Site:** Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 41
- **Program Affiliation:** Part of the Nemesis program
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 40208
- **COSPAR ID:** 2014-055A
- **Aliases:** USA-257, Nemesis 2

## FAQs
### Q: What is the purpose of USA 257?
A: USA 257 is classified as a military satellite, meaning it is an artificial satellite utilized for military purposes. It is specifically identified as being part of the Nemesis program.

### Q: When and where was USA 257 launched?
A: USA 257 was launched on September 17, 2014. The launch took place at Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 41 in Florida.

### Q: What rocket was used to deploy USA 257?
A: The satellite was carried into space by an Atlas V 401 launch vehicle. This vehicle is a specific class of rocket operated by the United Launch Alliance.

### Q: What are the alternative names for USA 257?
A: USA 257 is also referred to as USA-257 or Nemesis 2. These identifiers link the satellite to its specific mission and its place within the broader Nemesis program.

## Why It Matters
USA 257 represents a significant component of United States military space infrastructure. As a military satellite, it serves as a dedicated orbital asset designed for national security objectives. Its deployment as "Nemesis 2" indicates its role within a specific series of satellites, highlighting a structured approach to military space operations during the mid-2010s. 

The launch of USA 257 is also a notable event for the United Launch Alliance and the Atlas V 401 launch vehicle, demonstrating the continued reliance on this specific rocket configuration for high-priority national payloads. By operating from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 41, the mission utilized one of the most active and critical launch sites in the world. For researchers and analysts, USA 257 provides a verifiable data point in the history of military reconnaissance or communications programs, categorized under international tracking identifiers like COSPAR ID 2014-055A. Its existence underscores the ongoing strategic importance of maintaining a military presence in Earth's orbit to support terrestrial defense and intelligence operations.

## Notable For
- **Nemesis Program Membership:** It is a documented component of the Nemesis program, where it is designated as Nemesis 2.
- **Atlas V 401 Deployment:** The satellite utilized a specific "401" configuration of the Atlas V launch vehicle, a class known for its reliability in military missions.
- **Strategic Launch Location:** It was launched from the historic Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 41, a primary site for U.S. national security space launches.
- **International Tracking:** The satellite is recognized in global catalogs under the Satellite Catalog Number 40208 and COSPAR ID 2014-055A.

## Body

### Launch and Deployment
USA 257 was successfully launched on September 17, 2014. The mission originated from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 41, a facility frequently used for United States military and government payloads. The launch vehicle for this mission was the Atlas V 401, a rocket produced and operated by the United Launch Alliance (ULA).

### Classification and Program Context
The entity is categorized as a military satellite. This classification encompasses artificial satellites designed and operated for military-specific functions. USA 257 is a part of the Nemesis program and is frequently identified by the alias Nemesis 2. 

### Technical Identifiers
To facilitate tracking and identification within the global scientific and military communities, USA 257 is assigned several unique identifiers:
*   **SCN:** 40208
*   **COSPAR ID:** 2014-055A
*   **Google Knowledge Graph ID:** /g/11b6c5nrp0

### Operational Status
Following its launch in late 2014, the satellite became a significant event in the timeline of U.S. space operations. While its specific orbital duties remain within the context of military use, its launch and basic characteristics are documented across various international databases, including those in German (de) and Indonesian (id) languages.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report