# USA-267

> American reconnaissance satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q23059169](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q23059169)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/usa-267

## Summary
USA-267 is an American reconnaissance satellite launched on February 10, 2016, as part of the cancelled Future Imagery Architecture program. It was operated by the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) and used radar imaging to collect intelligence data.

## Key Facts
- **Instance of**: Reconnaissance satellite
- **Launch date**: February 10, 2016, at 11:40:32 UTC
- **Launch vehicle**: Delta IV Medium+(5,2) (serial D-373)
- **Launch site**: Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 6
- **Operator**: National Reconnaissance Office
- **Sponsor**: National Reconnaissance Office
- **Part of**: Future Imagery Architecture program
- **Country of origin**: United States
- **Launch contractor**: United Launch Alliance
- **COSPAR ID**: 2016-010A
- **Aliases**: NRO Launch 45, NROL-45, L-45, Topaz 4

## FAQs
### Q: What type of satellite was USA-267?
A: USA-267 was a reconnaissance satellite designed for covert intelligence collection, specifically using radar imaging.

### Q: Who operated USA-267?
A: The satellite was operated by the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), a U.S. government agency responsible for reconnaissance satellites.

### Q: When was USA-267 launched?
A: USA-267 was launched on February 10, 2016, from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 6.

### Q: What was the launch vehicle for USA-267?
A: The satellite was launched using a Delta IV Medium+(5,2) rocket, serial number D-373, operated by United Launch Alliance.

### Q: What was the Future Imagery Architecture program?
A: The Future Imagery Architecture was a canceled U.S. spy satellite program of which USA-267 was a part.

## Why It Matters
USA-267 was part of the Future Imagery Architecture program, which aimed to enhance the U.S. intelligence-gathering capabilities through advanced reconnaissance satellites. The satellite contributed to the NRO’s efforts to maintain a robust space-based surveillance network. Its radar imaging capabilities allowed for detailed intelligence collection, supporting national security objectives. The launch and operation of USA-267 demonstrated the NRO’s commitment to maintaining a cutting-edge reconnaissance fleet, even as the Future Imagery Architecture program was ultimately canceled. The satellite’s role highlights the strategic importance of space-based intelligence in modern military and diplomatic operations.

## Notable For
- **Radar Imaging**: USA-267 used radar for intelligence collection, a key capability for reconnaissance satellites.
- **NRO Collaboration**: The satellite was operated by the National Reconnaissance Office, a highly classified U.S. agency.
- **Future Imagery Architecture**: It was part of a canceled program aimed at advancing spy satellite technology.
- **Delta IV Launch**: The satellite was launched on a Delta IV Medium+(5,2) rocket, a variant of the Delta IV family.
- **Vandenberg Launch**: It was launched from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 6, a key site for U.S. military and intelligence satellite deployments.

## Body
### Overview
USA-267 was an American reconnaissance satellite launched on February 10, 2016, as part of the Future Imagery Architecture program. Operated by the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), it was designed for covert intelligence collection, utilizing radar imaging to gather data for military and national security purposes.

### Launch Details
- **Launch Date**: February 10, 2016, at 11:40:32 UTC.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Delta IV Medium+(5,2), serial number D-373, provided by United Launch Alliance.
- **Launch Site**: Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 6, a facility managed by the U.S. Space Force.

### Operational Context
- **Operator**: National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), responsible for the satellite’s operation and data collection.
- **Program**: Part of the Future Imagery Architecture, a canceled U.S. spy satellite program aimed at enhancing reconnaissance capabilities.
- **COSPAR ID**: 2016-010A, assigned by the Committee on Space Research for tracking purposes.

### Technical Specifications
- **Imaging Method**: Radar imaging, enabling high-resolution intelligence gathering.
- **Aliases**: NRO Launch 45, NROL-45, L-45, and Topaz 4, reflecting its role in the NRO’s reconnaissance fleet.

### Significance
USA-267 contributed to the NRO’s efforts to maintain a sophisticated space-based intelligence network. Its launch and operation underscored the U.S. government’s reliance on advanced reconnaissance satellites for national security. The satellite’s role in the Future Imagery Architecture program highlighted ongoing efforts to modernize and expand space-based surveillance capabilities, even as some programs were scaled back.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report