GPS Operational
NORAD ID: 34661
Int'l Code: 2009-014A
Perigee: 20,073.4 km
Apogee: 20,304.1 km
Inclination: 55.3°
Period: 718.0 min
Semi major axis: 26,559.7 km
Launch date: March 24, 2009
Source: United States (US)
PRN: 1
Comments: The NAVSTAR 63 (GPS 2R-20) spacecraft will rejuvenate one of the navigation constellation's positions, while also conducting critical tests of a new signal to be fielded by follow-on satellites. The craft will replace the aging GPS 2A-27 satellite launched in September 1996. Now well past its design life, ground controllers plan to move the old satellite into a backup role. The new GPS 2R-20 spacecraft will take over the Plane B, Slot 2 location of the navigation network, considered one of the primary positions in the constellation that is divided into six orbital groupings with multiple satellites flying in each.
Two Line Element Set (TLE):
1 34661U 09014A 10249.48545165 .00000035 00000-0 10000-3 0 5479
2 34661 055.3470 079.8709 0043440 053.0454 307.4251 02.00570391 10710
More details about NAVSTAR 63 (USA 203)
