 NROL-66, carrying advanced dosimeters, during ground processing | |
| Mission type | Technology |
|---|---|
| Operator | NRO |
| COSPAR ID | 2011-006A |
| SATCAT no. | 37364 |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Launch mass | 350 kilograms (770 lb)[1] |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | 6 February 2011, 12:26 UTC[2] |
| Rocket | Minotaur I SLV-10 |
| Launch site | Vandenberg SLC-8 |
| Contractor | Orbital Sciences |
| Orbital parameters | |
| Reference system | Geocentric |
| Regime | Low Earth |
| Perigee altitude | 1,202 kilometers (747 mi) |
| Apogee altitude | 1,230 kilometers (760 mi) |
| Inclination | 90 degrees |
| Period | 109.76 minutes |
| Epoch | 6 February 2011[3] |
USA-225, also known as the Rapid Pathfinder Prototype (RPP) and NRO Launch 66 (NROL-66), is an American satellite which was launched in 2011. The satellite is being used to perform technology demonstration and development experiments, including advanced dosimeters to characterize the space environment from a 1,200 kilometer low Earth orbit.[4] It is operated by the United States National Reconnaissance Office.[5]
Rapid Pathfinder was developed for less than US$20 million over a period of less than two years. Its dimensions are 0.5 m times 0.5 m times 0.5 m, and its mass including payload is 235 kg.[4]
A Minotaur I carrier rocket was used to launch USA-225, flying from Space Launch Complex 8 of the Vandenberg Air Force Base. The launch of was originally scheduled for March 2011; however, it was subsequently moved forwards to 5 February.[6] During the attempt to launch on 5 February 2011, a transmitter malfunctioned, and the launch attempt was scrubbed. Another attempt was scheduled for the next day. At 12:26 on 6 February 2011, the Minotaur lifted off, carrying USA-225 into orbit.[7] The launch was conducted by Orbital Sciences Corporation.
For launch, the RPP satellite was given the designation NRO Launch 66, or NROL-66. Upon reaching orbit it was named USA-225 in accordance with the usual naming system for American military spacecraft. The satellite received the International Designator 2011-006A, and the Satellite Catalog Number 37364.[8]
