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NAVSTAR 15 (USA 42) (20185)
COSPAR: 1989-064A | Alt Name: GPS II-3
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
August 18, 1989
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC17A
Launch Vehicle
Delta 6925
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
20185
International Designator
1989-064A
Epoch
Tue, 30 Jun 2026 01:56:18 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
54.98°
Right Ascension
88.93°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
324.37°
Period
773.83 min
Mean Motion
1.86 rev/day
Latitude
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Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
NAVSTAR 15 (USA 42)
Alternative Name
GPS II-3
Type
Payload
Status
Non-operational
Owner
AFSSD2
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 20185U 89064A 26181.08076884 -.00000038 00000-0 00000-0 0 9994
2 20185 54.9774 88.9317 0011970 324.3665 215.3365 1.86088582256449
Source: Celestrak
Summary
NAVSTAR 15 (USA 42), also known as GPS II-3, is a satellite within the GPS constellation. Launched on August 18, 1989, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's LC17A launch pad using a Delta 6925 vehicle, it serves a navigation mission for the United States. The satellite has dimensions of approximately 2.4 meters in length and 1.8 meters in diameter with a span of 5.3 meters due to its solar arrays. It weighs 776 kilograms at launch and in dry mass. Equipped with two deployable solar arrays and batteries for power, it is stabilized on three axes and has a reflective surface area (RCS) of 1.9448 square meters. The satellite's shape consists of a box with two panels and its propulsion uses Star 37F motors. Manufactured by RWISB under the ownership of AFSSD2, NAVSTAR 15 was expected to operate for about 7.5 years as part of its mission to provide navigation services.
Physical Characteristics
Length
2.4
Diameter
1.8
Span
5.3
Dry Mass
776
Launch Mass
776
Shape
Box + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
1.9448
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
GPS SVN 16
Purpose
Navigation
Mission
Navigation
Manufacturer
RWISB
Life Expectancy
7.5 years
Bus
GPS II
Configuration
3-Axis stabilized
Motor
Star 37F
Equipment
?
Power System
2 deployable solar arrays, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
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