USA-262, also known as GPS IIF-10, GPS SVN-72 and NAVSTAR 74, is an American navigation satellite which forms part of the Global Positioning System. It was the tenth of twelve Block IIF satellites to be launched.[2]

USA-262
A Block IIF GPS satellite
Mission typeNavigation
OperatorUS Air Force
COSPAR ID2015-033A[1]
SATCAT no.40730[1]
Mission duration12 years (planned)
Spacecraft properties
SpacecraftGPS SVN-72 (IIF-10)
Spacecraft typeGPS Block IIF
ManufacturerBoeing
Launch mass1,630 kilograms (3,590 lb)[2]
Start of mission
Launch date15 July 2015, 15:36 (2015-07-15UTC15:36Z) UTC
RocketAtlas V 401, AV-055[3]
Launch siteCape Canaveral SLC-41[3]
ContractorULA
Orbital parameters
Reference systemGeocentric
RegimeMedium Earth
(Semi-synchronous)
Perigee altitude20,445 km (12,704 mi)[4]
Apogee altitude20,450 km (12,710 mi)[4]
Inclination55.00 degrees[4]
Period728.77 minutes[4]
Epoch15 July 2015, 21:23:20 UTC

Launch

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Built by Boeing and launched by United Launch Alliance, USA-262 was launched at 15:36 UTC on 15 July 2015, atop an Atlas V 401 carrier rocket, vehicle number AV-055.[3] The launch took place from Space Launch Complex 41 at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station,[5] and placed USA-262 directly into semi-synchronous orbit.[4]

Orbit

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As of 15 July 2015, USA-262 was in an orbit with a perigee of 20,445 kilometers (12,704 mi), an apogee of 20,450 kilometers (12,710 mi), a period of 728.77 minutes, and 55.00 degrees of inclination to the equator.[4] It is used to broadcast the PRN 08 signal, and operates in slot 3 of plane C of the GPS constellation. The satellite has a design life of 15 years and a mass of 1,630 kilograms (3,590 lb). [2] It is currently in service following commissioning on August 12, 2015.[6]

References

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  1. ^ a b "Navstar 74". US National Space Science Data Center. Retrieved 15 July 2015.
  2. ^ a b c Krebs, Gunter. "GPS-2F (Navstar-2F)". Gunter's Space Page. Retrieved 15 July 2015.
  3. ^ a b c McDowell, Jonathan. "Launch Log". Jonathan's Space Page. Retrieved 15 July 2015.
  4. ^ a b c d e f McDowell, Jonathan. "Satellite Catalog". Jonathan's Space Page. Retrieved 15 July 2015.
  5. ^ McDowell, Jonathan. "Launch List". Launch Vehicle Database. Jonathan's Space Page. Archived from the original on 15 August 2020. Retrieved 15 July 2015.
  6. ^ "NOTICE ADVISORY TO NAVSTAR USERS (NANU) 2015073". United States Coast Guard. Retrieved 13 December 2014.