USA-239

USA-239, also known as GPS IIF-3, GPS SVN-65, and Navstar-67 is an American navigation satellite which forms part of the Global Positioning System. It was the third of twelve Block IIF satellites to be launched.[2]

USA-239
A Block IIF GPS satellite
Mission typeNavigation
OperatorUS Air Force
COSPAR ID2012-053A[1]
SATCAT no.38833[1]
Mission duration12 years (planned)
Spacecraft properties
SpacecraftGPS SVN-65 (IIF-3)
Spacecraft typeGPS Block IIF
ManufacturerBoeing
Launch mass1,630 kilograms (3,590 lb)[2]
Start of mission
Launch date4 October 2012, 12:10 (2012-10-04UTC12:10Z) UTC
RocketDelta IV-M+(4,2), D361[3]
Launch siteCape Canaveral SLC-37B[3]
ContractorULA
Orbital parameters
Reference systemGeocentric
RegimeMedium Earth
(Semi-synchronous)
Perigee altitude20,132 kilometers (12,509 mi)[4]
Apogee altitude20,231 kilometers (12,571 mi)[4]
Inclination54.87 degrees[4]
Period717.96 minutes[4]
 

Built by Boeing and launched by United Launch Alliance, USA-239 was launched at 12:10 UTC on 4 October 2012, atop a Delta IV carrier rocket, flight number D361, flying in the Medium+(4,2) configuration.[3] The launch took place from Space Launch Complex 37B at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station,[5] and placed USA-239 directly into medium Earth orbit.[4] The rocket's second stage failed to provide the expected full thrust in all of its three burns due to a leak above the narrow throat portion of the thrust chamber, however the stage had enough propellant margins to put the satellite in the correct orbit.[6]

As of 18 February 2014, USA-232 was in an orbit with a perigee of 20,231 kilometers (12,571 mi), an apogee of 20,132 kilometers (12,509 mi), a period of 717.96 minutes, and 54.87 degrees of inclination to the equator.[4] It is used to broadcast the PRN 24 signal, and operates in slot 1 of plane A of the GPS constellation. The satellite has a design life of 15 years and a mass of 1,630 kilograms (3,590 lb). [2] As of 2019 it remains in service.

References
  1. "Navstar 67". US National Space Science Data Center. Retrieved 18 February 2014.
  2. Krebs, Gunter. "GPS-2F (Navstar-2F)". Gunter's Space Page. Retrieved 18 February 2014.
  3. McDowell, Jonathan. "Launch Log". Jonathan's Space Page. Retrieved 18 February 2014.
  4. McDowell, Jonathan. "Satellite Catalog". Jonathan's Space Page. Retrieved 18 February 2014.
  5. McDowell, Jonathan. "Launch List". Launch Vehicle Database. Jonathan's Space Page. Retrieved 18 February 2014.
  6. Ray, Justin (9 Dec 2012). "Investigation finds Delta 4 rocket engine issue". Spaceflight Now. Retrieved 18 February 2014.
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