🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
USA 4
Retired 1994USA 4 (NORAD 15226, COSPAR 1984-091A) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 1 Jan 1994, launched on 28 Aug 1984 on the SDS 5 mission. It is catalogued as QUASAR 5. It was operated by NRO / SAFSP as part of the SDS programme. The spacecraft was built by HSES on the SDS bus, with a mass of 800 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1984
launched
1994
retired
42
years on orbit
800
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched28 Aug 1984 · on the SDS 5 mission
Operational1 Jan 1994 · entered service
Retired1 Jan 1994 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID15226
COSPAR1984-091A
TypeSatellite
OperatorNRO / SAFSP
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerHSES
BusSDS
Mass800 kg (650 kg dry)
ProgrammeSDS
CategoryCOM
OrbitHEO (HEO/M)
Altitude379 × 39,315 km
Inclination63.3°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to USA 4?
USA 4 was retired from service around 1 Jan 1994 after launching in 1984. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built USA 4?
USA 4 was operated by NRO / SAFSP and built by HSES (US).
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-18.