Unveiling a Secret Spy Satellite

In an astounding feat of astrophotography, an enthusiastic sky watcher from Austria managed to capture a breathtaking photograph of a secret Pentagon spacecraft previously hidden from public view. The mysterious satellite, known as USA 290, has been described as a game-changer in the realm of surveillance technology.

The Photographer Behind the Lens

Felix Schöfbänker, a passionate astrophotographer, utilized his 14-inch Dobsonian telescope to catch this covert satellite in action. His remarkable images can be found on AstroBin, a platform that showcases the work of amateur astronomers around the globe. However, what sets USA 290 apart from ordinary spy satellites is its unusual design and orbit, leaving experts and enthusiasts alike speculating on its true capabilities.

A New Era of Surveillance Technology

Launched in 2019 aboard a Delta IV rocket, USA 290 is classified as a "top-secret surveillance payload" belonging to the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO). Schöfbänker noted that this satellite diverges from the typical KH-11 spy models that have dominated U.S. space reconnaissance—the design features a sizable rectangular panel measuring approximately 5 meters in length, which has piqued both curiosity and intrigue.

A Strange Orbit and Its Implications

"This satellite looks radically different from the conventional KH-11 models. My image reveals a large rectangular panel that seems to extend from its body," Schöfbänker stated in an interview with Space.com. What's more, instead of following the standard sun-synchronous orbit—a path that allows satellites to pass over the same geolocation at consistent local times—USA 290 moves in what Schöfbänker refers to as a "strange orbit," adding another layer of mystery to its operation.

Mystifying Features of USA 290

In addition to the 5-meter-long panel, the satellite's structure includes a 16-foot-long feature that could possibly be a solar panel, which, if true, poses questions about its design: if it’s fixed in place, would the satellite need to pivot its entire structure to track the sun's movement? Schöfbänker suggests other possibilities as well, such as it functioning as a radiator for thermal regulation or an array antenna for intelligence gathering.

A Track Record of Discoveries

This isn’t the first time Schöfbänker has uncovered classified objects in the vastness of space. Just last month, he recorded the rare appearance of a Chinese top-secret spaceplane, which had successfully completed a mysterious mission lasting 268 days before it returned from its third flight. Such discoveries not only highlight the wonders of amateur astronomy but also raise concerns about the increasing secrecy surrounding modern surveillance efforts.

The Future of Space Exploration

As the exploration of space continues to evolve, what other secrets might the sky still hold? Keep your telescopes ready, because the truth may be just above us, waiting to be unveiled!