 A Block IIR GPS satellite | |
| Mission type | Navigation |
|---|---|
| Operator | US Air Force |
| COSPAR ID | 2003-010A[1] |
| SATCATno. | 27704[1] |
| Mission duration | 10 years (planned)[2] |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Spacecraft type | GPS Block IIR[2] |
| Bus | AS-4000[2] |
| Manufacturer | Lockheed Martin[2] |
| Launch mass | 2,032 kilograms (4,480 lb)[2] |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | 31 March 2003, 22:09:01 (2003-03-31UTC22:09:01Z) UTC |
| Rocket | Delta II 7925-9.5, D297[3] |
| Launch site | Cape CanaveralSLC-17A[3] |
| Orbital parameters | |
| Reference system | Geocentric |
| Regime | Medium Earth (Semi-synchronous) |
| Perigee altitude | 20,063 kilometres (12,467 mi)[4] |
| Apogee altitude | 20,433 kilometres (12,696 mi)[4] |
| Inclination | 54.9 degrees[4] |
| Period | 720.64 minutes[4] |
USA-168, also known asGPS IIR-9 andGPS SVN-45, is an Americannavigation satellite which forms part of theGlobal Positioning System. It was the ninthBlock IIR GPS satellite to be launched, out of thirteen in the original configuration, and twenty oneoverall. It was built byLockheed Martin, using theAS-4000satellite bus.[2]
USA-168 was launched at 22:09:01 UTC on 31 March 2003, atop aDelta II carrier rocket, flight number D297, flying in the 7925-9.5 configuration.[3] The launch took place fromSpace Launch Complex 17A at theCape Canaveral Air Force Station,[5] and placed USA-168 into a transfer orbit. The satellite raised itself intomedium Earth orbit using aStar-37FMapogee motor.[2]
By 3 April 2003, USA-168 was in an orbit with aperigee of 20,063 kilometres (12,467 mi), anapogee of 20,433 kilometres (12,696 mi), aperiod of 720.64 minutes, and 54.9 degrees ofinclination to the equator.[4] It is used to broadcast the PRN 21 signal, and operates in slot 3 of plane D of the GPS constellation. The satellite has a mass of 2,032 kilograms (4,480 lb), and a design life of 10 years.[2] USA-168 was decommissioned and removed from the GPS constellation on 27 January 2025.[6]
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