Launch Success

Liftoff Time (GMT)

10:34:00

Saturday May 13, 1978

Mission Details

GPS-2

Wiki

The GPS (Global Positioning System) or Navstar (Navigation System using Timing And ranging) were the first generation satellites of the GPS navigation system. The first two satellites were also called NDS (Navigational Development Satellite). The Block I satellites were positioned in the same orbital planes as the later Block II, but at an inclination angle of 63 degrees. Block I consisted of the original concept validation satellites and reflect various stages of system development. Lessons learned from the 11 satellites were incorporated into later generations.

Medium Earth Orbit

1 Payload

759 kilograms

Rocket

Retired
Atlas-E/F SGS-1

Active 1977 to 1981


Stages

3

Launch Site

SLC-3E

Vandenberg SFB, California, USA

Fastest Turnaround

32 days 16 hours

Stats

Atlas-SGS


3rd

Mission

2nd

Mission of 1978

1978


48th

Orbital launch attempt