NAVSTAR 63 (USA 203)

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NAVSTAR 63 (USA 203) is classified as:

Global Positioning System (GPS) Constellation

NORAD ID: 34661

Int'l Code: 2009-014A

Perigee: 19,854.3 km

Apogee: 20,524.0 km

Inclination: 54.9 °

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)

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   23156.70019354  .00000015  00000-0  00000-0 0  9996
2 34661  54.8509 255.1251 0126062  57.2163 301.4785  2.00565835104068

Source of the keplerian elements: AFSPC