USA-251
USA-251, also known as GPS IIF-6, GPS SVN-67 and NAVSTAR 70, is an American navigation satellite which forms part of the Global Positioning System. It was the sixth of twelve Block IIF satellites to be launched.[2]
 A Block IIF GPS satellite | |
| Mission type | Navigation |
|---|---|
| Operator | US Air Force |
| COSPAR ID | 2014-026A[1] |
| SATCAT no. | 39741[1] |
| Mission duration | 12 years (planned) |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Spacecraft | GPS SVN-67 (IIF-6) |
| Spacecraft type | GPS Block IIF |
| Manufacturer | Boeing |
| Launch mass | 1,630 kilograms (3,590 lb)[2] |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | 17 May 2014, 00:03 UTC |
| Rocket | Delta IV-M+(4,2), D365[3] |
| Launch site | Cape Canaveral SLC-37B[3] |
| Contractor | ULA |
| Orbital parameters | |
| Reference system | Geocentric |
| Regime | Medium Earth (Semi-synchronous) |
| Perigee altitude | 20,443 km (12,703 mi)[4] |
| Apogee altitude | 20,474 km (12,722 mi)[4] |
| Inclination | 55.04 degrees[4] |
| Period | 729.22 minutes[4] |
| Epoch | 17 May 2014 |
Launch
Built by Boeing and launched by United Launch Alliance, USA-251 was launched at 00:03 UTC on 17 May 2014, atop a Delta IV carrier rocket, flight number D366, flying in the Medium+(4,2) configuration.[3] The launch took place from Space Launch Complex 37B at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station,[5] and placed USA-251 directly into medium Earth orbit.[4]
Orbit
As of 17 May 2014, USA-251 was in an orbit with a perigee of 20,443 kilometers (12,703 mi), an apogee of 20,474 kilometers (12,722 mi), a period of 729.22 minutes, and 55.04 degrees of inclination to the equator.[4] It is used to broadcast the PRN 06 signal, and operates in slot 6 of plane D of the GPS constellation. The satellite has a design life of 15 years and a mass of 1,630 kilograms (3,590 lb). [2] It is currently in service following commissioning on June 10, 2014.[6]
References
- "Navstar 70". US National Space Science Data Center. Retrieved 17 May 2014.
- Krebs, Gunter. "GPS-2F (Navstar-2F)". Gunter's Space Page. Retrieved 17 May 2014.
- McDowell, Jonathan. "Launch Log". Jonathan's Space Page. Retrieved 17 May 2014.
- McDowell, Jonathan. "Satellite Catalog". Jonathan's Space Page. Retrieved 17 May 2014.
- McDowell, Jonathan. "Launch List". Launch Vehicle Database. Jonathan's Space Page. Retrieved 17 May 2014.
- "NOTICE ADVISORY TO NAVSTAR USERS (NANU) 2014049". United States Coast Guard. Retrieved 11 June 2014.