# USA-272

> United States Space Force military communications satellite constellation

**Wikidata**: [Q107176500](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q107176500)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA-272)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/usa-272

## Summary
USA-272 is a United States Space Force military communications satellite constellation, designed as an artificial satellite for telecommunications purposes.

## Key Facts
- Instance of: communications satellite
- COSPAR ID: 2016-075A
- Launch date: 2016-12-07
- Launch vehicle: Delta IV Medium+(5,4)
- SCN: 41879
- Part of United States Space Force military communications satellite constellation

## FAQs
### Q: What is USA-272?
A: USA-272 is a United States Space Force military communications satellite constellation designed for telecommunications.

### Q: When was USA-272 launched?
A: USA-272 was launched on December 7, 2016.

### Q: What launch vehicle was used for USA-272?
A: The Delta IV Medium+(5,4) space launch vehicle was used to launch USA-272.

## Why It Matters
USA-272 represents a critical component of the United States Space Force's military communications infrastructure. As a communications satellite constellation, it provides secure and reliable telecommunications capabilities for military operations, enabling command and control, data transmission, and intelligence sharing across various military platforms and personnel. The satellite constellation plays a vital role in maintaining national security by ensuring uninterrupted communication networks for defense operations, particularly in challenging or hostile environments where traditional communication systems might be compromised.

## Notable For
- Part of the United States Space Force's military communications satellite constellation
- Launched using the Delta IV Medium+(5,4) launch vehicle
- Assigned COSPAR ID 2016-075A and SCN 41879
- Designed specifically for military telecommunications applications

## Body
### Technical Specifications
USA-272 operates as an artificial satellite designed for telecommunications, specifically for military communications purposes. The satellite constellation is part of the United States Space Force's strategic communications infrastructure.

### Launch Details
The USA-272 satellite was successfully launched on December 7, 2016, utilizing the Delta IV Medium+(5,4) space launch vehicle. This launch vehicle provided the necessary thrust and trajectory to place the satellite into its operational orbit.

### Identification Numbers
The satellite has been assigned several identification numbers for tracking and cataloging purposes:
- COSPAR ID: 2016-075A
- SCN (Spacecraft Number): 41879

### Operational Role
As a military communications satellite, USA-272 is designed to provide secure, high-bandwidth communications capabilities for the United States military. These satellites enable reliable communication links for various military operations, including command and control, intelligence sharing, and tactical communications across different geographical regions and operational theaters.

### Constellation Design
The USA-272 designation indicates it's part of a larger constellation of military communications satellites operated by the United States Space Force. This constellation approach provides redundancy and ensures continuous coverage, even if individual satellites experience failures or require maintenance.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report