Introduction

An enthusiastic astronomer from Austria has captured an astonishing image of a clandestine spacecraft launched by the Pentagon—one that defies the conventional designs of traditional spy satellites.

The Photographer

Astrophotographer Felix Schöfbänker used his state-of-the-art 14-inch Dobsonian telescope to photograph USA 290, a satellite that has piqued the interest of experts and the public alike. This striking image adds to a growing fascination with the mysteries of space surveillance and was shared on AstroBin, an online platform for amateur astronomers to showcase their work.

USA 290's Unique Design

What sets USA 290 apart from other spy satellites photographed by Schöfbänker is its distinctive design and peculiar orbit. Launched in 2019 aboard a Delta IV rocket, this satellite is classified as “a top-secret surveillance payload owned by the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO),” according to sources from NASA. Unlike the well-known KH-11 satellites, USA 290 boasts a unique form that features a large, roughly 5-meter rectangular panel, raising questions about its functions.

Expert Insights

“My image reveals a design that doesn’t conform to the typical KH-11 silhouette,” Schöfbänker explained. “The satellite appears to be equipped with a large panel that could either be a solar panel—if it could track the Sun—or even a cooling system or an array antenna for signal intelligence.”

Irregular Orbit

Remarkably, while regular KH-11 satellites operate in sun-synchronous orbits that allow them to cover the same areas on Earth at consistent local times, USA 290 follows an irregular orbit, which has left astronomers scratching their heads.

Previous Discoveries

Beyond USA 290, Schöfbänker has had prior successes in capturing hidden elements of space. Just last month, he managed to photograph a top-secret Chinese spaceplane, which had unknowingly made its mark in the cosmos during a mysterious 268-day mission that commenced on December 14, 2022, and concluded its third flight on September 5.

The Future of Amateur Astronomy

As amateur astronomy continues to confront the limits of classified government technology, Felix Schöfbänker’s discoveries have illuminated the skies and brought us tantalizingly close to unveiling the secrets cloaked in the cosmos. Now the question remains: what else is hiding in the depths of space? Stay tuned for more thrilling astronomical revelations!