# USA-273

> American military satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q28528214](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q28528214)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA-273)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/usa-273

## Summary  
USA-273 is a U.S. military satellite launched on January 21, 2017, as part of the Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS) to provide missile warning and surveillance capabilities. It operates under the U.S. Air Force and was deployed via an Atlas V 401 rocket from Cape Canaveral.  

## Key Facts  
- **Launch Date**: January 21, 2017  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Atlas V 401  
- **Operator**: United States Air Force  
- **COSPAR ID**: 2017-004A  
- **SCN**: 41937  
- **Part Of**: Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS)  
- **Aliases**: SBIRS-GEO 3  
- **Spacecraft Bus**: A2100  

## FAQs  
### Q: What is the primary purpose of USA-273?  
A: USA-273 serves as a missile warning and infrared surveillance satellite, part of the U.S. military's Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS).  

### Q: When and where was USA-273 launched?  
A: It was launched on January 21, 2017, from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 41 aboard an Atlas V 401 rocket.  

### Q: What makes USA-273 significant?  
A: It enhances U.S. national security by detecting missile launches and providing critical infrared surveillance data.  

## Why It Matters  
USA-273 plays a vital role in U.S. national security as part of the SBIRS constellation, which is designed to detect ballistic missile launches and track other infrared signatures, such as aircraft and spacecraft. Its deployment strengthened the U.S. military's ability to monitor global threats in real time, contributing to strategic defense operations. As a geostationary satellite, it provides persistent coverage of specific regions, ensuring timely warnings for defensive actions. The satellite’s successful launch and integration into the SBIRS network underscored advancements in space-based surveillance technology, supporting both military operations and broader geopolitical stability.  

## Notable For  
- **SBIRS Component**: Third geostationary satellite in the SBIRS constellation, critical for global missile detection.  
- **Atlas V 401 Launch**: Demonstrated the reliability of the Atlas V 401 rocket for national security missions.  
- **A2100 Spacecraft Bus**: Utilizes Lockheed Martin’s A2100 satellite platform, known for its modular design and adaptability.  

## Body  
### Launch Details  
- **Date**: January 21, 2017  
- **Site**: Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 41  
- **Rocket**: Atlas V 401 (United Launch Alliance)  

### Mission  
- **Primary Role**: Missile warning and infrared surveillance for the U.S. Air Force.  
- **System Affiliation**: Part of the Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS), replacing legacy Defense Support Program satellites.  

### Technical Specifications  
- **Spacecraft Bus**: A2100 (Lockheed Martin)  
- **Identifiers**:  
  - **COSPAR ID**: 2017-004A  
  - **SCN**: 41937  
- **Aliases**: SBIRS-GEO 3  

### Operational Context  
- **Operator**: United States Air Force  
- **Significance**: Enhances early-warning capabilities for ballistic missile launches, supporting national security and defense strategies.  

### Additional Context  
- **Wikipedia Coverage**: Documented in English, Indonesian, Latvian, and Polish language editions.  
- **Knowledge Graph ID**: /g/11c6cj7m3z (Google)

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report