# USA-276 > American reconnaissance satellite **Wikidata**: [Q29712976](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q29712976) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA-276) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/usa-276 ## Summary USA-276 is an American reconnaissance satellite launched on May 1, 2017, as part of the National Reconnaissance Office's (NRO) program. It was deployed using a SpaceX Falcon 9 Full Thrust rocket from Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A, marking the NRO's 76th launch under the NROL-76 designation. ## Key Facts - **Class**: Reconnaissance satellite, designed for covert intelligence and military data collection. - **Operator**: National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), the U.S. government agency responsible for reconnaissance satellite operations. - **Launch Date**: May 1, 2017, at 11:15 UTC. - **Launch Vehicle**: Falcon 9 Full Thrust (Block 3), with booster B1032. - **Launch Site**: Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A. - **COSPAR ID**: 2017-022A. - **NSSDCA ID**: 2017-022A. - **Aliases**: NRO Launch 76, NROL-76, L-76. - **Country of Origin**: United States. ## FAQs ### Q: What is the purpose of USA-276? A: USA-276 is a reconnaissance satellite operated by the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) to collect intelligence data for military and national security applications. ### Q: Who launched USA-276? A: USA-276 was launched by SpaceX using a Falcon 9 Full Thrust rocket from Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A on May 1, 2017. ### Q: What is the significance of the NROL-76 designation? A: NROL-76 is the NRO's designation for this mission, indicating it was the 76th launch under the NRO's classified satellite program. ### Q: What is the difference between USA-276 and other reconnaissance satellites? A: USA-276 is part of the NRO's fleet of reconnaissance satellites, which are designed for covert surveillance and data collection. Its specific capabilities remain classified. ### Q: Where can I find more information about USA-276? A: Detailed information about USA-276 is limited due to its classified nature, but public records and NRO launch announcements provide some context. ## Why It Matters USA-276 is part of the National Reconnaissance Office's (NRO) constellation of satellites, which play a critical role in U.S. national security by providing intelligence data for defense and strategic purposes. The satellite's launch, conducted by SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket, demonstrates the collaboration between the U.S. government and private industry in advancing space-based reconnaissance capabilities. As part of the NRO's classified program, USA-276 contributes to the agency's ongoing efforts to maintain a robust and advanced surveillance network. Its deployment underscores the importance of space-based intelligence in modern military and diplomatic strategies. ## Notable For - **Classified Mission**: USA-276 is part of the NRO's classified reconnaissance satellite program, with limited public details available. - **SpaceX Launch**: The satellite was launched using a Falcon 9 Full Thrust rocket, marking another successful mission for SpaceX in supporting national security spaceflight. - **NRO's 76th Launch**: The NROL-76 designation reflects the satellite's role in the NRO's long-standing program of deploying reconnaissance assets. - **Kennedy Space Center Deployment**: The launch from Launch Complex 39A highlights the continued use of historic spaceports for classified missions. - **U.S. National Security Contribution**: USA-276 supports the U.S. government's intelligence and defense capabilities, reinforcing the nation's space-based surveillance infrastructure. ## Body ### Overview USA-276 is a reconnaissance satellite operated by the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), a U.S. government agency responsible for developing and deploying space-based intelligence-gathering systems. The satellite was launched on May 1, 2017, using a SpaceX Falcon 9 Full Thrust rocket from Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A. It is designated as NROL-76, indicating its place in the NRO's classified satellite program. ### Mission Details - **Purpose**: USA-276 is designed for covert intelligence and military data collection, contributing to the NRO's broader reconnaissance capabilities. - **Launch Vehicle**: The satellite was deployed using a Falcon 9 Full Thrust rocket, specifically booster B1032, which is part of SpaceX's reusable launch vehicle fleet. - **Launch Site**: The launch took place from Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A, a historic site used for numerous NASA and commercial space missions. ### Classification and Public Information - **Limited Disclosure**: Due to the classified nature of the NRO's reconnaissance satellites, detailed technical specifications and mission objectives for USA-276 are not publicly available. - **NRO Designation**: The satellite is referred to as NROL-76, reflecting its status as part of the NRO's classified launch series. ### Historical Context - **NRO's Role**: The NRO has been a key player in U.S. space-based intelligence since its establishment, with USA-276 being one of many satellites in its constellation. - **SpaceX's Contribution**: The use of SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket for this mission highlights the growing collaboration between the U.S. government and private industry in spaceflight. ### Significance - **National Security**: USA-276 plays a critical role in maintaining the U.S. government's intelligence and defense capabilities, supporting strategic and tactical decision-making. - **Space Infrastructure**: The satellite contributes to the broader infrastructure of space-based reconnaissance, ensuring continuous surveillance and data collection for national security purposes. ## References 1. Jonathan's Space Report