A Block IIF GPS satellite
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Mission type | Navigation |
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Operator | US Air Force |
COSPAR ID | 2016-007A |
SATCAT № | 41328 |
Mission duration | 12 years (planned) |
Spacecraft properties | |
Spacecraft | GPS SVN-70 (IIF-12) |
Spacecraft type | GPS Block IIF |
Manufacturer | Boeing |
Launch mass | 1,630 kilograms (3,590 lb) |
Start of mission | |
Launch date | 5 February 2016, 13:38 | UTC
Rocket | Atlas V 401, AV-057 |
Launch site | Cape Canaveral SLC-41 |
Contractor | ULA |
Orbital parameters | |
Reference system | Geocentric |
Regime |
Medium Earth (Semi-synchronous) |
Perigee | 20,196 km (12,549 mi) |
Apogee | 20,181 km (12,540 mi) |
Inclination | 55.01 degrees |
Period | 717.9 minutes |
Epoch | 12 March 2016, 01:14:53 UTC |
USA-266, also known as GPS IIF-12, GPS SVN-70 and NAVSTAR 76, is an American navigation satellite which forms part of the Global Positioning System. It was the twelfth of twelve Block IIF satellites to be launched.
Built by Boeing and launched by United Launch Alliance, USA-266 was launched at 13:38 UTC on 5 February 2016, atop a Atlas V 401 carrier rocket, vehicle number AV-057. The launch took place from Space Launch Complex 41 at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, and placed USA-266 directly into semi-synchronous orbit.
As of 12 March 2016, USA-266 was in an orbit with a perigee of 20,181 kilometers (12,540 mi), an apogee of 20,196 kilometers (12,549 mi), a period of 717.9 minutes, and 55.01 degrees of inclination to the equator. It is used to broadcast the PRN 32 signal, and operates in slot 5 of plane F 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 March 9, 2016.