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Gizmodo

Amateur Astronomer Catches Fleeting Glimpse of Secret Spy Satellite

Gizmodo
Summary
Nutrition label

79% Informative

Astrophotographer Felix SchÃfbÃnker used a 14-inch Dobsonian telescope to capture the image of the spy satellite USA 290 .

The satellite launched in 2019 on board a Delta IV rocket and is described as a top secret surveillance payload owned by the National Reconnaissance Office .

Unlike other spy satellites he’s photographed before, this one has a different design and follows a unique orbit.

The image of USA 290 also shows a 16-foot -long solar panel ( 5 meters ).

VR Score

73

Informative language

67

Neutral language

68

Article tone

semi-formal

Language

English

Language complexity

50

Offensive language

not offensive

Hate speech

not hateful

Attention-grabbing headline

not detected

Known propaganda techniques

not detected

Time-value

short-lived

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