# USA-327

> American reconnaissance satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q112228887](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q112228887)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/usa-327

## Summary
USA-327 is an American reconnaissance satellite launched by the National Reconnaissance Office on April 17, 2022, using a Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East. It's classified as part of the reconnaissance satellite category designed to covertly collect intelligence and military data for United States government purposes.

## Key Facts
- USA-327 is also known as NRO Launch 85 (NROL-85) or L-85
- It was launched on April 17, 2022, at 17:51:40 from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East
- The satellite was launched using a Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket (B1071.2)
- Its COSPAR ID is 2022-040A, which is also used as its NSSDCA ID
- USA-327 is operated by the National Reconnaissance Office
- It is classified as an instance of a reconnaissance satellite
- The satellite has a SCN (Satellite Catalog Number) of 52259
- Its logo is available at https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/NROL-85_Patch.png

## FAQs
### Q: What is USA-327?
A: USA-327 is an American reconnaissance satellite operated by the National Reconnaissance Office. It was launched on April 17, 2022, as part of the NRO's classified missions to gather intelligence and military data.

### Q: What was the launch vehicle for USA-327?
A: USA-327 was launched using a SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket, specifically booster B1071.2, from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East on April 17, 2022.

### Q: What is the purpose of USA-327?
A: As a reconnaissance satellite, USA-327 is designed to covertly collect intelligence and military data for United States government applications, though its specific capabilities and mission details remain classified.

### Q: What other names is USA-327 known by?
A: USA-327 is also referred to as NRO Launch 85 (NROL-85) or simply L-85.

### Q: Which organization operates USA-327?
A: USA-327 is operated by the National Reconnaissance Office, which is responsible for designing, building, and operating reconnaissance satellites for the United States government.

## Why It Matters
USA-327 represents the United States' continuing investment in space-based intelligence gathering capabilities, which are critical for national security, military operations, and foreign policy decisions. As part of the National Reconnaissance Office's fleet, it plays a crucial role in maintaining the country's surveillance advantage over potential adversaries. The successful launch of USA-327 demonstrates the reliability of the Falcon 9 Block 5 launch system for classified government missions and underscores the ongoing importance of space-based reconnaissance in modern geopolitical strategy. While specific details about USA-327's capabilities are classified, such satellites typically provide valuable imagery, signals intelligence, or other forms of data that inform strategic decision-making at the highest levels of government.

## Notable For
- Being launched by the National Reconnaissance Office, the secretive agency responsible for U.S. reconnaissance satellite programs
- Utilizing a Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East, a dedicated military launch site
- Part of the NROL-85 launch designation series for classified National Reconnaissance Office missions
- Having a unique SCN (Satellite Catalog Number) of 52259 for identification by space tracking organizations
- Operating as a reconnaissance satellite, a specialized class of satellites designed for covert intelligence gathering

## Body
### Basic Information
USA-327, also known as NRO Launch 85 (NROL-85) or L-85, is an American reconnaissance satellite operated by the National Reconnaissance Office. The satellite was launched on April 17, 2022, at 17:51:40 from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East, located in California. It was placed into orbit using a Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket, specifically booster B1071.2, which represents the current operational version of SpaceX's workhorse orbital launch vehicle.

### Classification and Identification
USA-327 is classified as a reconnaissance satellite, which are specialized satellites designed to covertly collect intelligence and military data. The satellite has been assigned the COSPAR ID 2022-040A and NSSDCA ID 2022-040A, which are standard identifiers used by space agencies and tracking organizations worldwide. For cataloging purposes by the U.S. Space Force, USA-327 carries the Satellite Catalog Number (SCN) 52259.

### Mission and Operations
As a reconnaissance satellite, USA-327 is part of the National Reconnaissance Office's fleet of spacecraft that support national security objectives. While specific details about USA-327's capabilities and mission parameters are classified, reconnaissance satellites typically perform functions such as imaging the Earth's surface, intercepting communications, or monitoring other space assets. The National Reconnaissance Office, which operates USA-327, is a secretive agency responsible for designing, building, and operating reconnaissance satellites for United States government agencies.

### Visual Identity
USA-327 is associated with the NROL-85 patch, which can be viewed at https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/NROL-85_Patch.png. The patch serves as an official emblem for the mission, though its specific design elements and symbolism remain classified alongside the satellite's operational details.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report