USA-239, also known as GPS IIF-3, GPS SVN-65, and Navstar-67 is an American navigation satellite which forms part of the Global Positioning System. It was the third of twelve Block IIF satellites to be launched.[2]
![]() A Block IIF GPS satellite | |
Mission type | Navigation |
---|---|
Operator | US Air Force |
COSPAR ID | 2012-053A[1] |
SATCAT no. | 38833[1] |
Mission duration | 12 years (planned) |
Spacecraft properties | |
Spacecraft | GPS SVN-65 (IIF-3) |
Spacecraft type | GPS Block IIF |
Manufacturer | Boeing |
Launch mass | 1,630 kilograms (3,590 lb)[2] |
Start of mission | |
Launch date | 4 October 2012, 12:10 | UTC
Rocket | Delta IV-M+(4,2), D361[3] |
Launch site | Cape Canaveral SLC-37B[3] |
Contractor | ULA |
Orbital parameters | |
Reference system | Geocentric |
Regime | Medium Earth (Semi-synchronous) |
Perigee altitude | 20,132 kilometers (12,509 mi)[4] |
Apogee altitude | 20,231 kilometers (12,571 mi)[4] |
Inclination | 54.87 degrees[4] |
Period | 717.96 minutes[4] |
Built by Boeing and launched by United Launch Alliance, USA-239 was launched at 12:10 UTC on 4 October 2012, atop a Delta IV carrier rocket, flight number D361, 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-239 directly into medium Earth orbit.[4] The rocket's second stage failed to provide the expected full thrust in all of its three burns due to a leak above the narrow throat portion of the thrust chamber, however the stage had enough propellant margins to put the satellite in the correct orbit.[6]
As of 18 February 2014, USA-239 was in an orbit with a perigee of 20,231 kilometers (12,571 mi), an apogee of 20,132 kilometers (12,509 mi), a period of 717.96 minutes, and 54.87 degrees of inclination to the equator.[4] It is used to broadcast the PRN 24 signal, and operates in slot 1 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] As of 2019 it remains in service.
References
edit- ^ a b "Navstar 67". US National Space Science Data Center. Retrieved 18 February 2014.
- ^ a b c Krebs, Gunter. "GPS-2F (Navstar-2F)". Gunter's Space Page. Retrieved 18 February 2014.
- ^ a b c McDowell, Jonathan. "Launch Log". Jonathan's Space Page. Retrieved 18 February 2014.
- ^ a b c d e f McDowell, Jonathan. "Satellite Catalog". Jonathan's Space Page. Retrieved 18 February 2014.
- ^ McDowell, Jonathan. "Launch List". Launch Vehicle Database. Jonathan's Space Page. Archived from the original on 15 August 2020. Retrieved 18 February 2014.
- ^ Ray, Justin (9 Dec 2012). "Investigation finds Delta 4 rocket engine issue". Spaceflight Now. Retrieved 18 February 2014.