USA-135

USA-135, also known as GPS IIA-19, GPS II-28 and GPS SVN-38, is an American navigation satellite which forms part of the Global Positioning System. It was the last of nineteen Block IIA GPS satellites to be launched.

USA-135
Mission typeNavigation
OperatorUS Air Force
COSPAR ID1997-067A[1]
SATCAT no.25030[1]
Mission duration7.5 years (planned)[2]
Spacecraft properties
Spacecraft typeGPS Block IIA[2]
ManufacturerRockwell[2]
Launch mass1,816 kilograms (4,004 lb)[2]
Start of mission
Launch date6 November 1997, 00:30:00 (1997-11-06UTC00:30Z) UTC
RocketDelta II 7925-9.5, D249[3]
Launch siteCape Canaveral LC-17A[3]
Orbital parameters
Reference systemGeocentric
RegimeMedium Earth
(Semi-synchronous)
Perigee altitude19,912 kilometres (12,373 mi)[4]
Apogee altitude20,449 kilometres (12,706 mi)[4]
Inclination54.9 degrees[4]
Period717.9 minutes[4]
 

USA-135 was launched at 00:30:00 UTC on 6 November 1997, atop a Delta II carrier rocket, flight number D249, flying in the 7925-9.5 configuration.[3] The launch took place from Launch Complex 17A at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station,[5] and placed USA-135 into a transfer orbit. The satellite raised itself into medium Earth orbit using a Star-37XFP apogee motor.[2]

On 13 December 1997, USA-135 was in an orbit with a perigee of 19,912 kilometres (12,373 mi), an apogee of 20,449 kilometres (12,706 mi), a period of 717.9 minutes, and 54.9 degrees of inclination to the equator.[4] It broadcasts the PRN 08 signal, and operates in slot 3 of plane A of the GPS constellation.[6] The satellite has a mass of 1,816 kilograms (4,004 lb). It had a design life of 7.5 years,[2] but it actually remained in service until October 30, 2014.

References
  1. "Navstar 2A-19". US National Space Science Data Center. Retrieved 10 July 2012.
  2. Krebs, Gunter. "GPS-2A (Navstar-2A)". Gunter's Space Page. Retrieved 10 July 2012.
  3. McDowell, Jonathan. "Launch Log". Jonathan's Space Page. Retrieved 11 July 2012.
  4. McDowell, Jonathan. "Satellite Catalog". Jonathan's Space Page. Retrieved 11 July 2012.
  5. McDowell, Jonathan. "Launch List". Launch Vehicle Database. Jonathan's Space Page. Retrieved 11 July 2012.
  6. Wade, Mark. "Navstar". Encyclopedia Astronautica. Retrieved 10 July 2012.


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