NEXT SPACEFLIGHT

Status

Success

GPS-2

Launch Time
Sat May 13, 1978 10:34 UTC

Rocket

Atlas-E/F SGS-1
Image Credit: USAF or NASA
General Dynamics
Status: Retired
Stages: 3
Strap-ons: 0

Mission Details

GPS-2

The GPS (Global Positioning System) or Navstar (Navigation System using Timing And ranging) were the first generation satellites of the GPS navigation system. The first two satellites were also called NDS (Navigational Development Satellite).

The Block I satellites were positioned in the same orbital planes as the later Block II, but at an inclination angle of 63 degrees. Block I consisted of the original concept validation satellites and reflect various stages of system development. Lessons learned from the 11 satellites were incorporated into later generations.

Payloads: 1
Total Mass: 759.0 kg
Medium Earth Orbit

Location

SLC-3E, Vandenberg SFB, California, USA

Stats

1978

48th orbital launch attempt

Atlas-SGS

3rd mission
2nd mission of 1978
3rd successful mission