NEXT SPACEFLIGHT

Status

Success

GPS-2R 12 (USA-178)

Launch Time
Wed Jun 23, 2004 22:54 UTC

Rocket

Delta II 7925
Image Credit: ULA
Boeing
Status: Retired
Liftoff Thrust: 3,511 kN
Payload to GTO: 1,819 kg
Stages: 3
Strap-ons: 9
Rocket Height: 38.1 m
Fairing Diameter: 2.9 m
Fairing Height: 8.49 m

Mission Details

GPS-2R 12 (USA-178)

GPS-2R (Global Positioning System) or Navstar-2R (Navigation System using Timing And Ranging) are the third evolution stage of the second generation of the GPS satellites.

The GPS-IIR replenishment satellites are produced by General Electric Astrospace (later Martin Marietta and Lockheed Missiles & Space) under a contract issued in 1989, which included 21 satellites based on the commercial AS-4000 bus. These provided improved navigation accuracy and longer autonomous satellite operation than earlier model GPS satellites. The satellites were three-axis stabilized and operated at downlink frequencies of 1572.42 MHz and 1227.6 MHz (L-Band) and 2227.5 MHz (S-Band). Lockheed was responsible for launch and flight operations support of the GPS-IIR through 2006.

Block IIR satellites provided dramatic improvements over previous blocks. They could determine their own position by performing inter-satellite ranging with other IIR vehicles. They also had reprogramable satellite processors enabling problem fixes and upgrades in flight, increased satellite autonomy, and radiation hardness.

Payloads: 1
Total Mass: 2,032.0 kg
Medium Earth Orbit

Location

SLC-17B, Cape Canaveral SFS, Florida, USA

Stats

2004

23rd orbital launch attempt

Delta II

113th mission
3rd mission of 2004
111th successful mission
58th consecutive successful mission