USA-232
USA-232, also known as GPS IIF-2, and GPS SVN-63, is an American navigation satellite which forms part of the Global Positioning System. It was the second of twelve Block IIF satellites to be launched.[2]
 A Block IIF GPS satellite | |
| Mission type | Navigation |
|---|---|
| Operator | US Air Force |
| COSPAR ID | 2011-036A[1] |
| SATCAT no. | 37753[1] |
| Mission duration | 12 years (planned) |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Spacecraft | GPS SVN-63 (IIF-2) |
| Spacecraft type | GPS Block IIF |
| Manufacturer | Boeing |
| Launch mass | 1,630 kilograms (3,590 lb)[2] |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | 16 July 2011, 06:41 UTC |
| Rocket | Delta IV-M+(4,2), D355[3] |
| Launch site | Cape Canaveral SLC-37B[3] |
| Contractor | ULA |
| Orbital parameters | |
| Reference system | Geocentric |
| Regime | Medium Earth (Semi-synchronous) |
| Perigee altitude | 20,452 kilometers (12,708 mi)[4] |
| Apogee altitude | 20,463 kilometers (12,715 mi)[4] |
| Inclination | 55 degrees[4] |
| Period | 729.16 minutes[4] |
Built by Boeing and launched by United Launch Alliance, USA-232 was launched at 06:41 UTC on 16 July 2011, atop a Delta IV carrier rocket, flight number D355, 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-232 directly into medium Earth orbit.[4]
As of 24 July 2011, USA-232 was in an orbit with a perigee of 20,452 kilometers (12,708 mi), an apogee of 20,463 kilometers (12,715 mi), a period of 729.16 minutes, and 55.0 degrees of inclination to the equator.[4] It is used to broadcast the PRN 01 signal, and operates in slot 2 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] As of 2019 it remains in service.
References
- "Navstar 66". US National Space Science Data Center. Retrieved 3 July 2012.
- Krebs, Gunter. "GPS-2F (Navstar-2F)". Gunter's Space Page. Retrieved 12 July 2012.
- McDowell, Jonathan. "Launch Log". Jonathan's Space Page. Retrieved 12 July 2012.
- McDowell, Jonathan. "Satellite Catalog". Jonathan's Space Page. Retrieved 12 July 2012.
- McDowell, Jonathan. "Launch List". Launch Vehicle Database. Jonathan's Space Page. Retrieved 12 July 2012.