NAVSTAR 63 (USA 203)

Track NAVSTAR 63 (USA 203) now!
NAVSTAR 63 (USA 203) is classified as:

GPS Operational

NORAD ID: 34661

Int'l Code: 2009-014A

Perigee: 19,970.1 km

Apogee: 20,408.4 km

Inclination: 56.3 °

Period: 718.0 minutes

Semi major axis: 26560 km

RCS: 1.9953 m² (large)

Launch date: March 24, 2009
Source: United States (US)
Launch site: AIR FORCE EASTERN TEST RANGE (AFETR)
PRN: 4

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.

1 34661U 09014A   16272.22257904 -.00000095  00000-0  00000+0 0  9997
2 34661  56.3254 352.2785 0082502  50.3458 354.2983  2.00564952 55110

Source of the keplerian elements: AFSPC