USA-256
 A Block IIF GPS satellite | |
| Mission type | Navigation |
|---|---|
| Operator | US Air Force |
| COSPAR ID | 2014-045A[1] |
| SATCAT no. | 40105[1] |
| Mission duration | 12 years (planned) |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Spacecraft | GPS SVN-68 (IIF-7) |
| Spacecraft type | GPS Block IIF |
| Manufacturer | Boeing |
| Launch mass | 1,630 kilograms (3,590 lb)[2] |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | 2 August 2014, 03:23 UTC |
| Rocket | Atlas V 401, AV-048[3] |
| Launch site | Cape Canaveral SLC-41[3] |
| Contractor | ULA |
| Orbital parameters | |
| Reference system | Geocentric |
| Regime |
Medium Earth (Semi-synchronous) |
| Perigee | 20,341 km (12,639 mi)[4] |
| Apogee | 20,469 km (12,719 mi)[4] |
| Inclination | 55.02 degrees[4] |
| Period | 727.05 minutes[4] |
| Epoch | 2 August 2014 |
USA-256, also known as GPS IIF-7, GPS SVN-68 and NAVSTAR 71, is an American navigation satellite which forms part of the Global Positioning System. It was the seventh of twelve Block IIF satellites to be launched.[2]
Launch
Built by Boeing and launched by United Launch Alliance, USA-256 was launched at 03:23 UTC on 2 August 2014, atop a Atlas V 401 carrier rocket, vehicle number AV-048.[3] The launch took place from Space Launch Complex 41 at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station,[5] and placed USA-256 directly into medium Earth orbit.[4]
Orbit
As of 3 August 2014, USA-256 was in an orbit with a perigee of 20,341 kilometers (12,639 mi), an apogee of 20,469 kilometers (12,719 mi), a period of 727.05 minutes, and 55.02 degrees of inclination to the equator.[4] It is used to broadcast the PRN 09 signal, and operates in slot 6 of plane F of the GPS constellation. The satellite has a design life of 12 years and a mass of 1,630 kilograms (3,590 lb). [2] It is currently in service following commissioning on September 17, 2014.[6]
References
- 1 2 "Navstar 71". US National Space Science Data Center. Retrieved 3 August 2014.
- 1 2 3 Krebs, Gunter. "GPS-2F (Navstar-2F)". Gunter's Space Page. Retrieved 3 August 2014.
- 1 2 3 McDowell, Jonathan. "Launch Log". Jonathan's Space Page. Retrieved 3 August 2014.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 McDowell, Jonathan. "Satellite Catalog". Jonathan's Space Page. Retrieved 3 August 2014.
- ↑ McDowell, Jonathan. "Launch List". Launch Vehicle Database. Jonathan's Space Page. Retrieved 3 August 2014.
- ↑ "NOTICE ADVISORY TO NAVSTAR USERS (NANU) 2014071". United States Coast Guard. Retrieved 18 September 2014.