USA-232, also known as GPS IIF-2, and GPS SVN-63, is an American navigation satellite which forms part of the Global Positioning System. It was the second of twelve Block IIF satellites to be launched.[2]

USA-232
A Block IIF GPS satellite
Mission typeNavigation
OperatorUS Air Force
COSPAR ID2011-036A[1]
SATCAT no.37753[1]
Mission duration12 years (planned)
Spacecraft properties
SpacecraftGPS SVN-63 (IIF-2)
Spacecraft typeGPS Block IIF
ManufacturerBoeing
Launch mass1,630 kilograms (3,590 lb)[2]
Start of mission
Launch date16 July 2011, 06:41 (2011-07-16UTC06:41Z) UTC
RocketDelta IV-M+(4,2), D355[3]
Launch siteCape Canaveral SLC-37B[3]
ContractorULA
Orbital parameters
Reference systemGeocentric
RegimeMedium Earth
(Semi-synchronous)
Perigee altitude20,452 kilometers (12,708 mi)[4]
Apogee altitude20,463 kilometers (12,715 mi)[4]
Inclination55 degrees[4]
Period729.16 minutes[4]

Built by Boeing and launched by United Launch Alliance, USA-232 was launched at 06:41 UTC on 16 July 2011, atop a Delta IV carrier rocket, flight number D355, flying in the Medium+(4,2) configuration.[3] The launch took place from Space Launch Complex 37B at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station,[5] and placed USA-232 directly into medium Earth orbit.[4]

As of 24 July 2011, USA-232 was in an orbit with a perigee of 20,452 kilometers (12,708 mi), an apogee of 20,463 kilometers (12,715 mi), a period of 729.16 minutes, and 55.0 degrees of inclination to the equator.[4] It is used to broadcast the PRN 01 signal, and operates in slot 2 of plane D of the GPS constellation. The satellite has a design life of 15 years and a mass of 1,630 kilograms (3,590 lb). [2]

On 10 July 2023, the satellite was operating at D2A in the D plane. It experienced a clock anomaly that caused the Space Force’s 2nd Space Operations Squadron to set the satellite as “off” (Unhealthy) to all users until further notice. It is operating on its last Rubidium Frequency Standard clock, which demonstrated instances of unpredictable performance starting in January 2023. The GPS community concurred in transferring SVN 63 out of the active constellation and into a test status.[6]

References

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  1. ^ a b "Navstar 66". US National Space Science Data Center. Retrieved 3 July 2012.
  2. ^ a b c Krebs, Gunter. "GPS-2F (Navstar-2F)". Gunter's Space Page. Retrieved 12 July 2012.
  3. ^ a b c McDowell, Jonathan. "Launch Log". Jonathan's Space Page. Retrieved 12 July 2012.
  4. ^ a b c d e f McDowell, Jonathan. "Satellite Catalog". Jonathan's Space Page. Retrieved 12 July 2012.
  5. ^ McDowell, Jonathan. "Launch List". Launch Vehicle Database. Jonathan's Space Page. Archived from the original on 15 August 2020. Retrieved 12 July 2012.
  6. ^ "CGSIC Bulletin: GPS Constellation Change: SVN-63 - the American Surveyor". 10 August 2023.