# USA-554

> undisclosed military satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q135778080](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q135778080)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/usa-554

## Summary
USA-554 is an undisclosed military satellite operated by the United States Space Force. Launched on August 13, 2025, as part of the USSF-106 mission, it was deployed into orbit by a Vulcan rocket (V-003) from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 41. The satellite is assigned the COSPAR ID 2025-173B and the satellite catalog number 65161.

## Key Facts
- **Instance of:** Military satellite (USA-554).
- **Operator:** United States Space Force (USSF).
- **Launch Date:** August 13, 2025, at 00:56 UTC.
- **Launch Vehicle:** Vulcan rocket (flight designation V-003).
- **Launch Site:** Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 41.
- **Mission Name:** Part of the USSF-106 space launch.
- **COSPAR ID:** 2025-173B.
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 65161.
- **Launch Contractor:** United Launch Alliance.
- **Country of Origin:** United States.

## FAQs
### Q: What is USA-554?
A: USA-554 is a United States military satellite launched on August 13, 2025. Its specific function and capabilities are undisclosed.

### Q: When and how was USA-554 launched?
A: USA-554 launched on August 13, 2025, at 00:56 UTC aboard a Vulcan rocket (V-003) from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 41. The launch was part of the USSF-106 mission.

### Q: Who built and operates USA-554?
A: The launch contractor was United Launch Alliance, and the satellite is part of the United States military's assets, specifically linked to the USSF-106 mission. The manufacturer of the satellite itself is not specified in the provided data.

## Why It Matters
USA-554 is a significant asset within the United States Space Force's orbital infrastructure, representing the ongoing deployment of classified military capabilities. Its launch aboard the Vulcan V-003 vehicle underscores the operational integration of United Launch Alliance's next-generation rocket for national security payloads. The mission, USSF-106, is a critical component of the Space Force's strategy to enhance and maintain its satellite architecture for defense and technological development. While the satellite's specific purpose is undisclosed, its designation as a military satellite indicates a role in national security, potentially involving surveillance, communication, or navigation support, which are vital to modern defense operations.

## Notable For
- **Recent Launch:** Launched in mid-August 2025, it is a new addition to the U.S. military's satellite fleet.
- **Vulcan Rocket Payload:** It was a payload on the Vulcan V-003 mission, marking one of the early operational flights of this launch vehicle for the Space Force.
- **Classified Nature:** The satellite is officially designated as an "undisclosed military satellite," maintaining secrecy around its operational role.
- **Precise Tracking:** It is tracked under COSPAR ID 2025-173B and SCN 65161, allowing for precise identification in orbital catalogs.

## Body
### Classification and Identification
USA-554 is classified as a military satellite, a type of artificial satellite used for military purposes. It is identified in international catalogs with the COSPAR ID 2025-173B and the Satellite Catalog Number (SCN) 65161. The country of origin and operation is the United States.

### Launch Details
The satellite was launched on August 13, 2025, at 00:56 UTC. The launch took place at Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 41. This event was part of a broader mission known as USSF-106, which served as the space launch framework for this payload.

### Launch Vehicle and Contractor
The launch vehicle used to deploy USA-554 was a Vulcan rocket, specifically designated as V-003. The launch contractor responsible for the mission was United Launch Alliance (ULA). The use of the Vulcan rocket highlights its role in deploying critical U.S. military assets.

### Operational Context
USA-554 is part of the USSF-106 mission. A significant event noted for the mission includes a rocket launch on August 12, 2025 (likely referencing the local date or pre-launch activities), associated with the Navigation Technology Satellite-3 at the same location. However, USA-554 is distinctly cataloged with a launch date of August 13, 2025. The satellite's exact function remains undisclosed.

## References

1. Space-Track
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://nextspaceflight.com/launches/details/5054)