🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
USA 21
Retired 2006USA 21 (NORAD 17506, COSPAR 1987-015A) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 1 Jan 2006, launched on 12 Feb 1987 on the JUMPSEAT 8 mission. It is catalogued as JUMPSEAT 8. It was operated by NRO / SAFSP as part of the Jumpseat 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.
1987
launched
2006
retired
39
years on orbit
800
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched12 Feb 1987 · on the JUMPSEAT 8 mission
Operational1 Jan 2006 · entered service
Retired1 Jan 2006 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID17506
COSPAR1987-015A
TypeSatellite
OperatorNRO / SAFSP
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerHSES
BusSDS
Mass800 kg (650 kg dry)
ProgrammeJumpseat
CategoryCOM
OrbitHEO (HEO/M)
Altitude610 × 39,750 km
Inclination63.4°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to USA 21?
USA 21 was retired from service around 1 Jan 2006 after launching in 1987. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built USA 21?
USA 21 was operated by NRO / SAFSP and built by HSES (US).
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-16.