# USA-315

> United States military satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q116457157](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q116457157)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA-315)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/usa-315

## Summary
USA-315 is a United States military satellite launched on May 18, 2021. It was deployed into orbit using an Atlas V 421 rocket and is officially cataloged under the international designation COSPAR ID 2021-042A and Satellite Catalog Number 48618.

## Key Facts
- **Classification:** Military satellite (artificial satellite used for military purposes).
- **Launch Date:** May 18, 2021.
- **Launch Vehicle:** Atlas V 421 (United Launch Alliance).
- **COSPAR ID:** 2021-042A.
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 48618.
- **Operating Entity:** United States.
- **Wikidata Description:** United States military satellite.

## FAQs
### Q: What is USA-315?
A: USA-315 is a United States military satellite. It functions as an artificial satellite utilized for military purposes by the U.S. government.

### Q: When was USA-315 launched?
A: USA-315 was launched on May 18, 2021.

### Q: What rocket was used to launch USA-315?
A: The satellite was launched aboard an Atlas V 421 rocket, a launch vehicle provided by the United Launch Alliance.

## Why It Matters
USA-315 represents a specific asset within the United States' military space architecture. As a military satellite launched in 2021, it contributes to the broader infrastructure of national defense and space superiority maintained by the U.S. Department of Defense. The deployment of such satellites is critical for various defense-related capabilities, including secure communications, surveillance, reconnaissance, and navigation support that are vital for modern military operations. The use of the Atlas V 421 configuration highlights the ongoing reliance on reliable, heavy-lift launch capabilities to deploy sensitive national security payloads into orbit. As part of the USA designation series, it belongs to a class of satellites often associated with classified or specialized military functions, underscoring the strategic importance of space assets in contemporary defense strategy.

## Notable For
- **Military Classification:** Designated specifically as a satellite for military use.
- **Recent Deployment:** Launched in 2021, representing modern U.S. space capabilities.
- **Atlas V 421 Configuration:** Utilized the 421 variant of the Atlas V launch vehicle.
- **Orbital Tracking:** Assigned standard international tracking identifiers (COSPAR ID 2021-042A and SCN 48618).

## Body
### Identity and Classification
USA-315 is identified in knowledge bases as a United States military satellite. The entity falls under the broader class of artificial satellites used for military purposes. Its description and classification are derived from structured data sources such as Wikidata.

### Launch Details
The satellite was successfully launched on May 18, 2021. The mission utilized the Atlas V 421 launch vehicle, a model operated by the United Launch Alliance. This specific launch vehicle configuration is noted for its use in deploying U.S. government and military payloads.

### Technical Identifiers
To facilitate tracking and cataloging, USA-315 is assigned specific numerical and alphanumerical codes:
- **SCN (Satellite Catalog Number):** 48618
- **COSPAR ID (International Designator):** 2021-042A

These identifiers are standard for space objects and are used by international space agencies and tracking organizations to monitor the satellite's orbit and status.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report