USA-256

USA-256, also known as GPS IIF-7, GPS SVN-68 and NAVSTAR 71, is an American navigation satellite which forms part of the Global Positioning System. It was the seventh of twelve Block IIF satellites to be launched.^[2]

USA-256

A Block IIF GPS satellite
Mission type	Navigation
Operator	US Air Force
COSPAR ID	2014-045A[1]
SATCAT no.	40105[1]
Mission duration	12 years (planned)
Spacecraft properties
Spacecraft	GPS SVN-68 (IIF-7)
Spacecraft type	GPS Block IIF
Manufacturer	Boeing
Launch mass	1,630 kilograms (3,590 lb)[2]
Start of mission
Launch date	2 August 2014, 03:23 (2014-08-02UTC03:23Z) UTC
Rocket	Atlas V 401, AV-048[3]
Launch site	Cape Canaveral SLC-41[3]
Contractor	ULA
Orbital parameters
Reference system	Geocentric
Regime	Medium Earth (Semi-synchronous)
Perigee altitude	20,341 km (12,639 mi)[4]
Apogee altitude	20,469 km (12,719 mi)[4]
Inclination	55.02 degrees[4]
Period	727.05 minutes[4]
Epoch	2 August 2014

Launch

Built by Boeing and launched by United Launch Alliance, USA-256 was launched at 03:23 UTC on 2 August 2014, atop an Atlas V 401 carrier rocket, vehicle number AV-048.^[3] The launch took place from Space Launch Complex 41 at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station,^[5] and placed USA-256 directly into medium Earth orbit.^[4]

Orbit

As of 3 August 2014, USA-256 was in an orbit with a perigee of 20,341 kilometers (12,639 mi), an apogee of 20,469 kilometers (12,719 mi), a period of 727.05 minutes, and 55.02 degrees of inclination to the equator.^[4] It is used to broadcast the PRN 09 signal, and operates in slot 6 of plane F of the GPS constellation. The satellite has a design life of 12 years and a mass of 1,630 kilograms (3,590 lb). ^[2] It is currently in service following commissioning on September 17, 2014.^[6]