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OPS 5114

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OPS 5114
NamesNavstar 4
GPS I-4
GPS SVN-4
Mission typeNavigation
Technology
OperatorU.S. Air Force
COSPAR ID1978-112A [1]
SATCAT no.11141
Mission duration5 years (planned)
10.75 years (achieved)
Spacecraft properties
SpacecraftNavstar
Spacecraft typeGPS Block I
ManufacturerRockwell Space Systems
Launch mass758 kg (1,671 lb)
Dimensions5.3 meters of long
Power400 watts
Start of mission
Launch date11 December 1978, 03:59 UTC
RocketAtlas F / SGS-1
(Atlas-39F)
Launch siteVandenberg, SLC-3E
ContractorConvair
General Dynamics
Entered service8 January 1979
End of mission
Deactivated14 October 1989
Orbital parameters
Reference systemGeocentric orbit[2]
RegimeMedium Earth orbit
(Semi-synchronous)
Perigee altitude20,163 km (12,529 mi)
Apogee altitude20,201 km (12,552 mi)
Inclination63.2°
Period717.96 minutes
← OPS 5113 (Navstar 3)
OPS 5117 (Navstar 5) →

OPS 5114, also known as Navstar 4, GPS I-4 and GPS SVN-4, was an American navigation satellite launched in 1978 as part of the Global Positioning System development programme. It was the fourth of eleven Block I GPS satellites to be launched.[3]

Background

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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°. These vehicles are placed in 6 orbit planes with four operational satellites in each plane.[1]

Spacecraft

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The first eleven spacecraft (GPS Block 1) were used to demonstrate the feasibility of the GPS system. They were 3-axis stabilized, nadir pointing using reaction wheels. Dual solar arrays supplied over 400 watts. They had S-band communications for control and telemetry and Ultra high frequency (UHF) cross-link between spacecraft. They were manufactured by Rockwell Space Systems, were 5.3 meters across with solar panels deployed, and had a design life expectancy of 5 years. Unlike the later operational satellites, GPS Block 1 spacecraft were inclined at 63°.[1]

Launch

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OPS 5114 was launched at 03:59 UTC on 11 December 1978, atop an Atlas F launch vehicle with an SGS-1 upper stage. The Atlas used had the serial number 39F, and was originally built as an Atlas F.[4] The launch took place from Space Launch Complex 3E at Vandenberg Air Force Base.[5]

Mission

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OPS 5114 was placed into a transfer orbit. The satellite raised itself into medium Earth orbit using a Star-27 apogee motor.[3]

By 8 January 1979, OPS 5114 was in an orbit with a perigee of 20,163 km (12,529 mi), an apogee of 20,201 km (12,552 mi), a period of 717.96 minutes, and 63.20° of inclination to the equator.[6] The satellite had a design life of 5 years and a mass of 758 kg (1,671 lb).[3] It broadcast the PRN 08 signal in the GPS demonstration constellation, and was retired from service on 14 October 1989. On 20 February 1990, it was reactivated for further testing, before being deactivated again in May 1990.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c "Display: Navstar 4 1978-112A". NASA. 14 May 2020. Retrieved 21 November 2020. Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  2. ^ "Trajectory: Navstar 4 1978-112A". NASA. 14 May 2020. Retrieved 21 November 2020. Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  3. ^ a b c Krebs, Gunter. "GPS (Navstar)". Gunter's Space Page. Retrieved 12 July 2012.
  4. ^ McDowell, Jonathan. "Launch Log". Jonathan's Space Report. Retrieved 12 July 2012.
  5. ^ McDowell, Jonathan. "Launch List". Launch Vehicle Database. Jonathan's Space Report. Archived from the original on 15 August 2020. Retrieved 12 July 2012.
  6. ^ McDowell, Jonathan. "Satellite Catalog". Jonathan's Space Report. Retrieved 12 July 2012.