NEXT SPACEFLIGHT

Status

Success

GPS-2A 1 (USA-66)

Launch Time
Mon Nov 26, 1990 21:39 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-2A 1 (USA-66)

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

The Block IIA satellites were improved operational GPS satellites based on the GPS 2 series. They were designed to provide 180 days of operation without contact from the control segment. During the 180 day autonomy, degraded accuracy is evident in the navigation message.

In 1983 Rockwell was awarded a contract to build 28 Block II/IIA satellites.

The spacecraft was 3-axis stabilized, nadir pointing using reaction wheels. Two solar arrays supplied 710 Watts (EOL). S-Band (SGLS) communications were used for control and telemetry. A UHF channel provided cross-links between spacecraft. A hydrazine propulsion system was used for orbital correction. The payload included two L-Band navigation signals at 1575.42 MHz (L1) and 1227.60 MHz (L2). Each spacecraft carried 2 rubidium and 2 cesium clocks. Also carried as a secondary payload were nuclear detonation detection sensors (NDS).

Payloads: 1
Total Mass: 1,816.0 kg
Medium Earth Orbit

Location

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

Stats

1990

108th orbital launch attempt

Delta II

15th mission
10th mission of 1990
15th successful mission