# USA-326

> American reconnaissance satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q112228615](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q112228615)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/usa-326

## Summary
USA-326 is an American reconnaissance satellite launched on February 2, 2022, by the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) using a SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket. It is part of the NRO's classified satellite fleet, designed to covertly collect intelligence data for military applications.

## Key Facts
- **Class**: Reconnaissance satellite (used for intelligence and military data collection)
- **Operator**: National Reconnaissance Office (NRO)
- **Launch Date**: February 2, 2022, at 20:27:26 UTC
- **Launch Vehicle**: Falcon 9 Block 5 (Booster B1071.1)
- **Launch Site**: Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East
- **COSPAR ID**: 2022-009A
- **NSSDCA ID**: 2022-009A
- **Aliases**: NRO Launch 87, NROL-87, L-87, NRO-L 87
- **Country of Origin**: United States
- **Logo**: [NROL-87 Patch](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/NROL-87_Patch.png)

## FAQs
### Q: What is USA-326 used for?
A: USA-326 is a reconnaissance satellite operated by the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) to collect intelligence data for military applications.

### Q: When was USA-326 launched?
A: USA-326 was launched on February 2, 2022, at 20:27:26 UTC from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East.

### Q: What rocket launched USA-326?
A: The satellite was launched using a SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket (Booster B1071.1).

### Q: Who operates USA-326?
A: The satellite is operated by the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), a U.S. government agency responsible for reconnaissance satellites.

### Q: What are the other names for USA-326?
A: USA-326 is also known as NRO Launch 87, NROL-87, L-87, and NRO-L 87.

## Why It Matters
USA-326 is part of the National Reconnaissance Office's (NRO) fleet of satellites, which play a critical role in providing intelligence data for U.S. military operations. Reconnaissance satellites like USA-326 are designed to operate covertly, collecting high-resolution imagery and other data to support national security. The NRO's satellites are launched using various rockets, including SpaceX's Falcon 9, to ensure reliable and secure deployment. The launch of USA-326 on February 2, 2022, demonstrates the ongoing efforts of the NRO to maintain a robust satellite constellation for intelligence gathering. These satellites are essential for monitoring global activities, supporting military strategies, and ensuring U.S. security interests are protected.

## Notable For
- **Classified Mission**: USA-326 is part of the NRO's classified satellite fleet, meaning its specific capabilities and data collection methods are not publicly disclosed.
- **SpaceX Launch**: The satellite was launched using a SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket, marking another successful mission for the company in supporting national security space operations.
- **NRO Collaboration**: The NRO's partnership with SpaceX highlights the agency's reliance on commercial launch providers to maintain its satellite constellation.
- **Reconnaissance Focus**: Like other NRO satellites, USA-326 is designed for covert intelligence gathering, contributing to U.S. military and national security efforts.

## Body
### Overview
USA-326 is an American reconnaissance satellite operated by the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO). It was launched on February 2, 2022, using a SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket (Booster B1071.1) from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East. The satellite is part of the NRO's classified fleet, which includes other reconnaissance satellites designed for intelligence and military applications.

### Mission Details
- **Primary Function**: USA-326 is a reconnaissance satellite, meaning it is equipped with sensors and systems to collect intelligence data covertly.
- **Operator**: The NRO, a U.S. government agency responsible for reconnaissance satellites, operates USA-326.
- **Launch Details**: The satellite was launched on February 2, 2022, at 20:27:26 UTC, marking a significant event in the NRO's satellite deployment efforts.

### Technical Specifications
- **Launch Vehicle**: The satellite was launched using a SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket, which is part of the company's reusable orbital launch system.
- **Booster**: The booster used for the launch was B1071.1, indicating its first flight for this mission.
- **Launch Site**: Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East was the designated launch site for USA-326.

### Identification and Classification
- **COSPAR ID**: 2022-009A
- **NSSDCA ID**: 2022-009A
- **Aliases**: The satellite is also known as NRO Launch 87, NROL-87, L-87, and NRO-L 87, reflecting its association with the NRO's classified missions.

### Significance
- **National Security**: USA-326 plays a crucial role in U.S. national security by providing intelligence data for military operations.
- **Space Collaboration**: The NRO's use of SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket demonstrates the agency's collaboration with commercial space providers to maintain its satellite fleet.
- **Reconnaissance Capabilities**: The satellite's classified nature highlights the advanced capabilities of the NRO's reconnaissance satellites in supporting U.S. intelligence efforts.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report