GPS-2F 3 (Navstar 67, USA 239)

Spacecraft nr:

US spacecraft nr:

Launch data: Designation  38833 / 12053A Launch date  04 Oct 2012 - 12:10 UT Launch site  CC, SLC-37B Launch vehicle  Delta-4M+(4.2) Mission  Mil/Comm.: Navigation/GPS MEO Earth orbit on Oct 4.62: Perigee / Apogee  20436 x 20480 km Eccentricity  3,20E-04 Inclination  54.98 deg Period  728.96 min

Spacecraft data:

Description:

• GPS-2F (Global Positioning System) or Navstar-2F (Navigation System using Timing And Ranging) satellites are the fourth evolution stage of the second generation of the GPS GPS satellites. Improvements included an extended design life of 12 years, faster processors with more memory, and a new civil signal on a third frequency.
• The GPS-2F satellites do not need to carry an apogee kick motor, in contrast to the earlier generations, as the launch vehicles provide direct insertion into the GPS orbit. Originally the Delta-4M version was to be used for the Delta launches, but a mass growth of the satellites required a switch to the more powerful Delta-4M+(4,2) version.
• NAVSTAR 67 (USA 239) also known as GPS 2F-3 will assume the role filled by the GPS 2A-21 spacecraft that has been in service since July 21, 1993.
• Third Navstar Bmock 2F satellite in the Global Positioning System. Launched into orbital plane A of the GPS constellation.
• Will replace 2A-21.

Mission details:

• The third GPS Block IIF satellite, spacecraft 65, was launched on Oct 4 to replace SVN 39. The Delta IV launch vehicle flew to a 163 x 394 km x 41.6 deg parking orbit (according to spaceflightnow.com) followed by a 254 x 20448 km x 43.3 deg transfer orbit and, following a third burn, the targeted 20426 x 20481 km x 55.0 deg circular orbit where the satellite was deployed. The RL-10 second stage engine operated at lower than planned thrust during the first two burns, but onboard software compensated by increasing the duration of the engine firings.