NAVSTAR
The Navstar Global Positioning System (GPS) is a constellation of orbiting satellites that provides navigation data to military and civilian users all over the world. The system is operated and controlled by the 50th Space Wing, located at Schriever Air Force Base, Colo. Navigating Services Features: Extremely accurate, three-dimensional location information (latitude, longitude and altitude), velocity and precise time A worldwide common grid that is easily converted to any local grid Passive all-weather operations Continuous real-time information Support to an unlimited number of users and areas Support to civilian users at a slightly less accurate level Characteristics: Primary Function: Precise navigation, timing and velocity information worldwide Primary Contractors: Block I and II/IIA, Rockwell International (Boeing North American); Block IIR, Lockheed Martin; Block IIF, Boeing North American Power Plant: Solar panels generating 800 watts Weight: Block IIA, 3,670 pounds (1,816 kilograms); Block IIR, 4,480 pounds (2,217 kilograms) Height: Block IIA, 136 inches (3.4 meters); Block IIR, 70 inches (1.7 meters) Width (includes wingspan): Block IIA, 208.6 inches (5.3 meters); Block IIR, 449 inches (11.4 meters) Design life: Block II/IIA, 7.5 years; Block IIR, 10 years Date of First Launch: 1978 Launch vehicle: Delta II Date Constellation Operational: July 1995 (at full operational capacity) Contact Information: Air Force Space Command Public Affairs Office 150 Vandenberg, Suite 1105 Peterson AFB, Colo. 80914-4500 692-3731 or (719) 554-3731. Additional information available at: "http://131.84.1.31/news/factsheets/NAVSTAR_Global_Positioning_Sy.html" [Summary provided by United States Air Force]