GPS Operational
NORAD ID: 34661
Int'l Code: 2009-014A
Perigee: 20,024.9 km
Apogee: 20,354.7 km
Inclination: 56.1 °
Period: 718.0 minutes
Semi major axis: 26560 km
Launch date: March 24, 2009
Source: United States (US)
PRN: 30
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 13338.20602214 -.00000046 00000-0 00000+0 0 8303
2 34661 056.1275 032.7842 0062097 047.5662 034.1591 02.00558545 34473
Source: AFSPC
NASA's NSSDC Master Catalog entry for NAVSTAR 63 (USA 203)
