USA-126

Global Positioning System (GPS) was developed by the U.S. Department of Defense to provide all-weather round-the-clock navigation capabilities for military ground, sea, and air forces. Since its implementation, GPS has also become an integral asset in numerous civilian applications and industries around the globe, including recreational used (e.g., boating, aircraft, hiking), corporate vehicle fleet tracking, and surveying. GPS employs 24 spacecraft in 20,200 km circular orbits inclined at 55.0°. These vehicles are placed in 6 orbit planes with four operational satellites in each plane.[1]

GPS Block 2 was the operational system, following the demonstration system composed of Block 1 (Navstar 1 - 11) spacecraft. These spacecraft were 3-axis stabilized, nadir pointing using reaction wheels. Dual solar arrays supplied 710 watts of power. They used S-band (SGLS) communications for control and telemetry and Ultra high frequency (UHF) cross-link between spacecraft. The payload consisted of two L-band navigation signals at 1575.42 MHz (L1) and 1227.60 MHz (L2). Each spacecraft carried 2 rubidium and 2 Cesium clocks and nuclear detonation detection sensors. Built by Rockwell Space Systems for the U.S. Air force, the spacecraft measured 5.3 m across with solar panels deployed and had a design life of 7.5 years.[1]

USA-126 was launched at 00:50:00 UTC on 16 July 1996, atop a Delta II launch vehicle, flight number D237, flying in the 7925-9.5 configuration.[4] The launch took place from Launch Complex 17A (LC-17A) at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS),[5] and placed USA-126 into a transfer orbit. The satellite raised itself into medium Earth orbit using a Star-37XFP apogee motor.[2]

On 15 August 1996, USA-126 was in an orbit with a perigee of 20,272 km (12,596 mi), an apogee of 20,365 km (12,654 mi), a period of 723.60 minutes, and 55.03° of inclination to the equator.[3] It broadcasts the PRN 10 signal, and operates in slot 3 of plane E of the GPS constellation.[6] The satellite has a mass of 840 kg (1,850 lb). It had a design life of 7.5 years,[2] however, it was kept in service for over 18 years before finally decommissioned from service on 16 July 2015.[7]

Following decommissioning, it was subsequently placed in a disposal orbit approximately 1000 km above the operational constellation on 11 March 2016.[8]