NEXT SPACEFLIGHT

Status

Success

GPS-2 8 (USA-63)

Launch Time
Thu Aug 02, 1990 05:39 UTC

Rocket

Delta II 6925
Image Credit: USAF or NASA
Boeing
Status: Retired
Liftoff Thrust: 3,481 kN
Payload to GTO: 1,447 kg
Stages: 3
Strap-ons: 9
Rocket Height: 38.1 m
Fairing Diameter: 2.9 m
Fairing Height: 8.49 m

Mission Details

GPS-2 8 (USA-63)

GPS-2 (Global Positioning System) or Navstar-2 (Navigation System using Timing And ranging) are improved satellites of the second generation of the GPS navigation system.

The Block II satellites were the first full scale operational GPS satellites. They were designed to provide 14 days of operation without contact from the control segment.

Rockwell was the prime contractor, building a single Block 2 SVN 12 qualification vehicle under a 1981amendment to the Block I contract. In 1983 Rockwell was awarded a contract to build 28 Block II/IIA satellites.

Payloads: 1
Total Mass: 1,660.0 kg
Medium Earth Orbit

Location

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

Stats

1990

71st orbital launch attempt

Delta II

11th mission
6th mission of 1990
11th successful mission