The Day That Changed How We Navigate Forever
Forty-seven years ago, an Atlas rocket carried the first GPS satellite into orbit, launching a revolution in navigation that would transform daily life across the globe
OPS 7568 (04596)
COSPAR: 1970-090A | Alt Name: OPS 7568
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
October 23, 1970
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC4W
Launch Vehicle
Titan 23B
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
04596
International Designator
1970-090A
Decay Date
11/11/1970
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
OPS 7568
Alternative Name
OPS 7568
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
NRO/SAFSP
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
Apologies, there is no summary for this satellite yet. I am working to generate these for every object in the catalog, but it is going to take time.
Physical Characteristics
Length
5.7
Diameter
1.5
Span
5.7
Dry Mass
2400
Launch Mass
2400
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
GAMBIT-3 FM-29
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
LMSC
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
KH-8
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Space Brief 28 Aug 2025
Today's briefing covers collaborations enhancing defense capabilities, new satellite technologies entering the market, and strategic shifts in military satellite applications.
X Report 29 Sep 2025
In today's update, SpaceX successfully launched 28 Starlink satellites from Vandenberg, while Italy grapples with its satellite strategy amid rising reliance on Starlink services.
The Telescope That Needed Glasses
On April 25, 1990, the Space Shuttle Discovery's robotic arm lifted a 11,110-kilogram barrel of mirrors and instruments out of the payload bay and released it into orbit. Six weeks later, the first images came back badly out of focus. The Hubble Space Telescope had been ground to the wrong prescription, and America had just spent $2.5 billion on what the press was calling a 'technoturkey.'
Space Force Gets $26B in Defense Bill, Golden Dome Initiative Funded | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force allocated $26B in 2026 defense appropriations backing Golden Dome initiative. FY26 defense bill adds $8B but sidelines $28B munitions request. First Qatari-Emirati joint defense venture formed.
Space Brief 22 Aug 2024
ESA's Cluster mission coming to an end, Europe's contributions to Artemis III, JUICE's groundbreaking maneuvers, Yaogan EO satellites, and amateur astronomers discovering exoplanets.
Artemis 2 Crew Returns After 50-Year Lunar Milestone | KeepTrack Space Brief
Artemis 2 splashdown marks first crewed lunar flyby since Apollo 17 in 1972. Four astronauts completed historic mission, validating systems for Artemis 3 landing attempt.
Space Brief 16 Dec 2024
Today's briefing covers the ULA's military application for Vulcan's upper stage, FAA's efforts to expedite launch licensing, and a fascinating flyby of Mercury by BepiColombo.