USA-266
USA-266, also known as GPS IIF-12, GPS SVN-70 and NAVSTAR 76, is an American navigation satellite which forms part of the Global Positioning System. It was the twelfth of twelve Block IIF satellites to be launched.[2] LaunchBuilt by Boeing and launched by United Launch Alliance (ULA), USA-266 was launched at 13:38 UTC on 5 February 2016, atop an Atlas V 401 launch vehicle, vehicle number AV-057.[3] The launch took place from Space Launch Complex 41 at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station,[4] and placed USA-266 directly into semi-synchronous orbit.[5] OrbitAs of March 2016, USA-266 was in an orbit with a perigee of 20,181 km (12,540 mi), an apogee of 20,196 km (12,549 mi), a period of 717.9 minutes, and 55.01° of inclination to the equator.[5] It is used to broadcast the PRN 32 signal, and operates in slot 5 of plane F of the GPS constellation.[6] The satellite has a design life of 12 years and a mass of 1,630 kg (3,590 lb).[2] It is currently in service following commissioning on 9 March 2016.[7] References
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