USA-150, also known as GPS IIR-4 and GPS SVN-51, is an American navigation satellite which forms part of the Global Positioning System. It was the fourth Block IIR GPS satellite to be launched, out of thirteen in the original configuration, and twenty one overall. It was built by Lockheed Martin, using the AS-4000 satellite bus.[2]

USA-150
A Block IIR GPS satellite
NamesNavstar 47
GPS IIR-4
GPS SVN-51
Mission typeNavigation
OperatorU.S. Air Force
COSPAR ID2000-025A [1]
SATCAT no.26360
Mission duration10 years (planned)
Spacecraft properties
SpacecraftGPS II-R
Spacecraft typeGPS Block IIR[2]
BusAS-4000
ManufacturerLockheed Martin
Launch mass2,032 kg (4,480 lb)
Start of mission
Launch date11 May 2000, 01:48:00 UTC
RocketDelta II 7925-9.5
(Delta D278)
Launch siteCape Canaveral, SLC-17A
ContractorMcDonnell Douglas
Entered service11 June 2000
End of mission
DeactivatedOperational [3]
Orbital parameters
Reference systemGeocentric orbit
RegimeMedium Earth orbit
(Semi-synchronous)
SlotE-1
Perigee altitude20,133 km (12,510 mi)
Apogee altitude20,234 km (12,573 mi)
Inclination54.9°
Period718.02 minutes

Launch

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USA-150 was launched at 01:48:00 UTC on 11 May 2000, atop a Delta II carrier rocket, flight number D278, flying in the 7925-9.5 configuration.[4] The launch took place from Space Launch Complex 17A at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station,[5] and placed USA-150 into a transfer orbit. The satellite raised itself into medium Earth orbit using a Star-37FM apogee motor.[2]

Mission

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By 11 June 2000, USA-150 was in an orbit with a perigee of 20,133 km (12,510 mi), an apogee of 20,234 km (12,573 mi), a period of 718.02 minutes, and 54.9° of inclination to the equator.[6] It is used to broadcast the PRN 20 signal, and operates in slot 1 of plane E of the GPS constellation, having replaced USA-35, the first operational GPS satellite.[7] The satellite has a mass of 2,032 kg (4,480 lb), and a design life of 10 years.[2] As of 2012 it remains in service.

References

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  1. ^ "Navstar 47 2000-025A". NASA. 14 May 2020. Retrieved 20 November 2020.   This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  2. ^ a b c d Krebs, Gunter. "GPS-2R (Navstar-2R)". Gunter's Space Page. Retrieved 11 July 2012.
  3. ^ "NGA Current GPS Satellite Data". Retrieved 24 September 2011.   This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  4. ^ McDowell, Jonathan. "Launch Log". Jonathan's Space Page. Retrieved 11 July 2012.
  5. ^ McDowell, Jonathan. "Launch List". Launch Vehicle Database. Jonathan's Space Page. Archived from the original on 15 August 2020. Retrieved 11 July 2012.
  6. ^ McDowell, Jonathan. "Satellite Catalog". Jonathan's Space Report. Retrieved 11 July 2012.
  7. ^ Wade, Mark. "Navstar". Encyclopedia Astronautica. Archived from the original on 11 November 2002. Retrieved 11 July 2012.