Quasar 19 (NROL-33)

Spacecraft nº:

US spacecraft nº:

Launch data:

Spacecraft data:

Description:

• Satellite Data System (SDS) spacecraft are communication relay satellites for transmitting real-time data from US reconnaissance satellites (e.g. KH-11) in polar areas. They are also used for communications to USAF air craft on polar routes and connect the various ground stations of the Air Force Satellite Control Network (AFSCN). The spacecraft relay the downlinked data to a ground station at Fort Belvoir, Virginia.
• The code-name QUASAR has confirmed by leaked budgets in 2013 to be associated with these satellites.

Mission details:

• Atlas flight AV-046 left the USA 252 payload in an 840 x 35745 km x 20.7 deg geostationary transfer orbit, according to hobbyist observers (satobs.org). It is expected to enter geostationary orbit and is thought to be a QUASAR communications and data relay satellite for the National Reconnaissance Office - either QUASAR 18 or 19.

External links:

• Satellite tracking:
  Real time satellite tracking