🛰️ SATELLITE · CATALOGUE RECORD
USA 118
In orbitUSA 118 (NORAD 23855, COSPAR 1996-026A) is a US satellite in orbit, launched on 24 Apr 1996 on the MERCURY 2 mission. It is catalogued as MERCURY 15. It is operated by NRO / USAF SMC as part of the MERCURY programme. The spacecraft was built by HSES on the Adv Vortex bus, with a mass of 4,500 kg. No current orbital elements are published for it, so it is not shown on the live map or in pass predictions. Catalogue record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1996
launched
30
years on orbit
4,500
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched24 Apr 1996 · on the MERCURY 2 mission
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID23855
COSPAR1996-026A
TypeSatellite
OperatorNRO / USAF SMC
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerHSES
BusAdv Vortex
Mass4,500 kg
ProgrammeMERCURY
CategorySIG
OrbitGEO (GEO/S)
Altitude35,780 × 35,800 km
Inclination0.1°
Frequently asked questions
What is USA 118?
USA 118 is a satellite launched in 1996 that is still in orbit. No current orbital elements are published for it, so it is not shown on the live map or in pass predictions.
Who operates and built USA 118?
USA 118 is operated by NRO / USAF SMC and built by HSES (US).
Catalogue record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-10-21.