page_title: USA-193
section_title: Launch data
hierarchical_section_title: USA-193 / Launch data
caption_attribution_description: English: Launch Patch of the NROL-21 launch (USA 193) Nederlands: Launch Patch van de NROL-21 lancering (USA 193)
context_page_description: USA-193, also known as NRO launch 21, was a U.S. military reconnaissance satellite launched on 14 December 2006. It was the first launch conducted by the United Launch Alliance. Owned by the National Reconnaissance Office, the craft's precise function and purpose were classified.
  The satellite malfunctioned shortly after deployment and was intentionally destroyed 14 months later on 21 February 2008 by a modified SM-3 missile fired from the warship USS Lake Erie, stationed west of Hawaii. The event highlighted growing distrust between the U.S. and China, and was viewed by some to be part of a wider "space race" involving the U.S., China, and Russia.
  It was the first launch by United Launch Alliance since it was formed in December 2006, and the first Delta II launch since ULA acquisition.
context_section_description: Launched: 14 December 2006 at 21:00:00 UTC
  Launch vehicle: United Launch Alliance Delta II-7920 rocket
  Launch site: Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, United States
  Launch facility: Space Launch Complex 2W
  Orbit data: not officially available, as spy satellites often change position and do not have regular orbits. Reported by amateur observers to be (perigee, apogee, inclination):
  349 km × 365 km × 58.48° after launch,
  255 km × 268 km × 58.48° on 2008-02-11,
  244 km × 261 km × 58.50° on 2008-02-19.
  The orbit was decaying at an increasing rate.
caption: USA-193 (NROL-21) launch patch
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