GPS constellation changes with addition of second GPS III satellite
The U.S. Coast Guard has issued a Notice Advisory to Navstar Users (NANU) detailing the changes to the constellation now that the second GPS III satellite has joined.
The U.S. Space Force Second Space Operations Squadron (2 SOPS) issued an Initial Use (USABINIT) NANU for the second of the new generation of GPS-III satellites, designated SVN-75/PRN-18.
SVN-75 was launched on Aug. 22, 2019, and — having successfully undergone rigorous operational testing on orbit — has taken its place in the active GPS constellation with the slot and plane designation of D6.
Constellation changes
SVN-45/PRN-21 is being re-phased from D3 to D2F replacing SVN46. Upon its arrival, SVN-46/PRN-11 will then be moved to residual status in Launch, Anomaly and Disposal Operations (LADO).
SVN-60/PRN-23 was decommissioned on March 2, eight and a half years beyond its expected service life. SVN-60 was the 12th GPS-IIR to go in to orbit, and began service on July 9, 2004.
Learn more at the NAVCEN home page.
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