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USA-260, also known as GPS IIF-9, GPS SVN-71 and NAVSTAR 73, is an American Satellite navigation which forms part of the Global Positioning System. It was the ninth of twelve Block IIF satellites to be launched.[2]

USA-260

A Block IIF GPS satellite
Mission type	Navigation
Operator	US Air Force
COSPAR ID	2015-013A[1]
SATCAT no.	40534[1]
Mission duration	12 years (planned)
Spacecraft properties
Spacecraft	GPS SVN-71 (IIF-9)
Spacecraft type	GPS Block IIF
Manufacturer	Boeing
Launch mass	1,630 kilograms (3,590 lb)[2]
Start of mission
Launch date	25 March 2015, 18:36 (2015-03-25UTC18:36Z) UTC
Rocket	Delta IV-M+(4,2), D371[3]
Launch site	Cape Canaveral SLC-37B[3]
Contractor	ULA
Orbital parameters
Reference system	Geocentric
Regime	Medium Earth (Semi-synchronous)
Perigee altitude	20,445 km (12,704 mi)[4]
Apogee altitude	20,468 km (12,718 mi)[4]
Inclination	55.00 degrees[4]
Period	729.14 minutes[4]
Epoch	25 March 2015, 23:57:44 UTC

Launch

Built by Boeing and launched by United Launch Alliance, USA-260 was launched at 18:36 UTC on 25 March 2015, atop a Delta IV carrier rocket, flight number D370, 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-260 directly into medium Earth orbit.[4]

Orbit

On 25 March 2015, USA-260 was in an orbit with a perigee of 20,445 kilometers (12,704 mi), an apogee of 20,468 kilometers (12,718 mi), a period of 729.14 minutes, and 55.00 degrees of inclination to the equator.[4] It is used to broadcast the PRN 26 signal, and operates in slot 5 of plane B of the GPS constellation. The satellite has a design life of 15 years and a mass of 1,630 kilograms (3,590 lb). [2] It is currently in service following commissioning on April 20, 2015.[6]

References

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