USA-248
A Block IIF GPS satellite
Mission typeNavigation
OperatorUS Air Force
COSPAR ID2014-008A[1]
SATCAT no.39533[1]
Mission duration12 years (planned)
Spacecraft properties
SpacecraftGPS SVN-64 (IIF-5)
Spacecraft typeGPS Block IIF
ManufacturerBoeing
Launch mass1,630 kilograms (3,590 lb)[2]
Start of mission
Launch date21 February 2014, 01:59 (2014-02-21UTC01:59Z) UTC
RocketDelta IV-M+(4,2), D365[3]
Launch siteCape Canaveral SLC-37B[3]
ContractorULA
Orbital parameters
Reference systemGeocentric
RegimeMedium Earth
(Semi-synchronous)
Perigee altitude20,175 km (12,536 mi)[4]
Apogee altitude20,191 km (12,546 mi)[4]
Inclination54.96 degrees[4]
Period717.99 minutes[4]
Epoch22 April 2014
 

USA-248, also known as GPS IIF-5, GPS SVN-64 and NAVSTAR 69, is an American navigation satellite which forms part of the Global Positioning System. It was the fifth of twelve Block IIF satellites to be launched.[2]

Launch

Built by Boeing and launched by United Launch Alliance, USA-248 was launched at 01:59 UTC on 21 February 2014, atop a Delta IV carrier rocket, flight number D365, 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-248 directly into medium Earth orbit.[4]

Orbit

As of 22 April 2014, USA-248 was in an orbit with a perigee of 20,175 kilometers (12,536 mi), an apogee of 20,191 kilometers (12,546 mi), a period of 717.99 minutes, and 54.96 degrees of inclination to the equator.[4] It is used to broadcast the PRN 30 signal, and operates in slot 6 of plane A 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 May 30, 2014.[6]

References

  1. ^ a b "Navstar 69". US National Space Science Data Center. Retrieved 21 February 2014.
  2. ^ a b c Krebs, Gunter. "GPS-2F (Navstar-2F)". Gunter's Space Page. Retrieved 21 February 2014.
  3. ^ a b c McDowell, Jonathan. "Launch Log". Jonathan's Space Page. Retrieved 21 February 2014.
  4. ^ a b c d e f McDowell, Jonathan. "Satellite Catalog". Jonathan's Space Page. Retrieved 21 February 2014.
  5. ^ McDowell, Jonathan. "Launch List". Launch Vehicle Database. Jonathan's Space Page. Retrieved 21 February 2014.
  6. ^ "NOTICE ADVISORY TO NAVSTAR USERS (NANU) 2014047". United States Coast Guard. Retrieved 31 May 2014.


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