GPS-3 1 (Navstar-3 1, USA 289, SV01 Vespucci)

USA

Int. spacecraft nº:

US spacecraft nº:

Also called: GPS III SV01

Launch data:

Designation	43873 / 18109A
Launch date	23 Dec 2018 - 13:51 UT
Launch site	CC, SLC-40
Launch vehicle	Falcon-9 v1.2 (Block 5)
Mission	Navigation
Earth orbit:
Perigee / Apogee	1192 x 20199 km
Eccentricity
Inclination	55.0°
Period	min

Spacecraft data:

Prime manufacturer
Platform	Lockheed Martin′s A2100 bus
Operator
Mass at launch	4400 kg (including propellant)
Dry Mass	kg
Basic shape
Dimension (m)
Equipment
Solar array
Stabilization
Propulsion
DC power
Design lifetime

Mission details:

The first GPS III satellite, SV01 'Vespucci', was launched on Dec 23 after many years of delays. GPS 3 is based on Lockheed Martin's A2100 bus. GPS 3 has a range of improvements, notably increased power and the new L1C civilian signal which will improve accuracy for non-military users. The satellite has a mass of 4400 kg including propellant.

External links:

AmericaSpace: Launch Information
Satellite tracking (n2ya.com): Real time satellite tracking

Astrophilately covers:

CRS-10 launch

Launch cancel Cape Canaveral. Credit: #402

Ref.: #7(JR957), #127, #402 - update: 17.01.21