A Block IIF GPS satellite
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Mission type | Navigation |
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Operator | US Air Force |
COSPAR ID | 2015-013A |
SATCAT no. | 40534 |
Mission duration | 12 years (planned) |
Spacecraft properties | |
Spacecraft | GPS SVN-71 (IIF-9) |
Spacecraft type | GPS Block IIF |
Manufacturer | Boeing |
Launch mass | 1,630 kilograms (3,590 lb) |
Start of mission | |
Launch date | 25 March 2015, 18:36 | UTC
Rocket | Delta IV-M+(4,2), D371 |
Launch site | Cape Canaveral SLC-37B |
Contractor | ULA |
Orbital parameters | |
Reference system | Geocentric |
Regime |
Medium Earth (Semi-synchronous) |
Perigee | 20,445 km (12,704 mi) |
Apogee | 20,468 km (12,718 mi) |
Inclination | 55.00 degrees |
Period | 729.14 minutes |
Epoch | 25 March 2015, 23:57:44 UTC |
USA-260, also known as GPS IIF-9, GPS SVN-71 and NAVSTAR 73, is an American Satellite navigation which forms part of the Global Positioning System. It was the ninth of twelve Block IIF satellites to be launched.
Built by Boeing and launched by United Launch Alliance, USA-260 was launched at 18:36 UTC on 25 March 2015, atop a Delta IV carrier rocket, flight number D370, flying in the Medium+(4,2) configuration. The launch took place from Space Launch Complex 37B at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, and placed USA-260 directly into medium Earth orbit.
On 25 March 2015, USA-260 was in an orbit with a perigee of 20,445 kilometers (12,704 mi), an apogee of 20,468 kilometers (12,718 mi), a period of 729.14 minutes, and 55.00 degrees of inclination to the equator. It is used to broadcast the PRN 26 signal, and operates in slot 5 of plane B of the GPS constellation. The satellite has a design life of 15 years and a mass of 1,630 kilograms (3,590 lb). It is currently in service following commissioning on April 20, 2015.