NAVSTAR 63 (USA 203)

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

Global Positioning System (GPS)

NORAD ID: 34661

Int'l Code: 2009-014A

Perigee: 19,950.8 km

Apogee: 20,426.2 km

Inclination: 56.3 °

Period: 717.9 minutes

Semi major axis: 26559 km

RCS: 1.9953 m² (large)

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

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   17177.87737037 -.00000079 +00000-0 +00000-0 0  9996
2 34661 056.2548 341.5831 0089487 051.4304 299.9774 02.00573423060548

Source of the keplerian elements: AFSPC