Space Brief 18 Apr 2025
Today's highlights include a Minotaur IV launch of U.S. spy satellites, Rocket Lab's new defense contracts, and the unveiling of Space Force's warfighting framework. Plus, the Satellite Spotlight dives into METEOR 3-1.
NAVSTAR 29 (USA 87) (22275)
COSPAR: 1992-089A | Alt Name: GPS IIA-8
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 18, 1992
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC17B
Launch Vehicle
Delta 7925
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
22275
International Designator
1992-089A
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 00:19:10 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
55.03°
Right Ascension
127.85°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
79.84°
Period
764.95 min
Mean Motion
1.88 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 29 (USA 87)
Alternative Name
GPS IIA-8
Type
Payload
Status
Non-operational
Owner
AFSMC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 22275U 92089A 26185.01331233 .00000043 00000-0 00000-0 0 9991
2 22275 55.0327 127.8451 0075092 79.8402 98.1529 1.88246698237191
Source: Celestrak
Summary
NAVSTAR 29 (USA 87), also known as GPS IIA-8, is a Global Positioning System satellite launched on December 18, 1992, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 17B using the Delta 7925 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 2.4 meters in length and 1.8 meters in diameter with a span of 5.3 meters, featuring a box shape with two panels for solar arrays. It is equipped with deployable solar arrays and batteries for power supply, weighing 860 kg both at launch and dry mass. The satellite was manufactured by RWISB for the AFSMC and operates in a navigation mission as part of the GPS constellation. Its design includes a 3-axis stabilization system and uses Star 37XFP motor. With an expected lifetime of 7.5 years, NAVSTAR 29 contributes to accurate global positioning services.
Physical Characteristics
Length
2.4
Diameter
1.8
Span
5.3
Dry Mass
860
Launch Mass
860
Shape
Box + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
0.6869
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
GPS SVN 29
Purpose
Navigation
Mission
Navigation
Manufacturer
RWISB
Life Expectancy
7.5 years
Bus
GPS
Configuration
3-Axis stabilized
Motor
Star 37XFP
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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