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]
 

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]

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-239 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. 1 2 "Navstar 67". US National Space Science Data Center. Retrieved 18 February 2014.
  2. 1 2 3 Krebs, Gunter. "GPS-2F (Navstar-2F)". Gunter's Space Page. Retrieved 18 February 2014.
  3. 1 2 3 McDowell, Jonathan. "Launch Log". Jonathan's Space Page. Retrieved 18 February 2014.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 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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