NAVSTAR 39 (USA 128) (24320)

COSPAR: 1996-056A | Alt Name: GPS IIA-18

Image
NAVSTAR 39 (USA 128) Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

September 12, 1996

Launch Pad

LC17A

Launch Vehicle

Delta 7925

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

24320

International Designator

1996-056A

Epoch

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 14:31:02 GMT

Apogee

Calculating...

Perigee

Calculating...

Inclination

53.71°

Right Ascension

236.28°

Eccentricity

Calculating...

Argument of Perigee

217.41°

Period

772.12 min

Mean Motion

1.86 rev/day

Latitude

Calculating...

Longitude

Calculating...

Altitude

Calculating...

Velocity

Calculating...

Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info

Name

NAVSTAR 39 (USA 128)

Alternative Name

GPS IIA-18

Type

Payload

Status

Non-operational

Owner

AFSMC

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 24320U 96056A   26182.60488942  .00000046  00000-0  00000-0 0  9997
2 24320  53.7062 236.2753 0031355 217.4117 141.3969  1.86499083210772

Source: Celestrak

Summary
NAVSTAR 39 (USA 128), also known as GPS IIA-18, is a satellite in the Global Positioning System launched on September 12, 1996, from Launch Complex 17A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using a Delta 7925 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of 2.4 meters in length, 1.8 meters in diameter, and a span of 5.3 meters when its solar arrays are deployed. It weighs 860 kilograms both at launch and dry mass. The satellite uses two deployable solar arrays along with batteries for power generation. NAVSTAR 39 is equipped with GPS SVN 30 as its payload to provide navigation services and operates on a 3-axis stabilized configuration. Its manufacturer is RWISB, and it was owned by AFSMC during its operational lifetime of approximately 7.5 years.
Physical Characteristics

Length

2.4

Diameter

1.8

Span

5.3

Dry Mass

860

Launch Mass

860

Shape

Box + 2 Pan

Radar Cross Section

3.1622

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

GPS SVN 30

Purpose

Navigation

Mission

Navigation

Manufacturer

RWISB

Life Expectancy

7.5 years

Bus

GPS IIA

Configuration

3-Axis stabilized

Motor

Star 37XFP

Equipment

?

Power System

2 deployable solar arrays, batteries

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

Map
This tool will help you track the satellite's position and predict its upcoming passes over your location. Simply input the coordinates or click the geolocation button to get started.
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

Apophis 2029 Flyby: ESA-JAXA Joint Mission Locked In | KeepTrack Space Brief

Apophis 2029 Flyby: ESA-JAXA Joint Mission Locked In | KeepTrack Space Brief

ESA and JAXA finalize collaboration for asteroid Apophis 2029 flyby at 32,000 km—closer than geostationary orbit. Historic near-Earth encounter being heavily observed.

X Report 18 Nov 2024

X Report 18 Nov 2024

SpaceX launches multiple satellites, prepares for Starship Flight 6, and exciting collaborations with AST SpaceMobile.

X Report 11 Dec 2025

X Report 11 Dec 2025

SpaceX has confirmed plans for an IPO and successfully launched multiple batches of Starlink satellites, advancing its mission for global internet coverage.

X Report 23 Nov 2025

X Report 23 Nov 2025

SpaceX continues its robust launch cadence with new Starlink deployments and faces challenges in Starship development following the recent damage to its prototype booster.

Space Brief 5 Nov 2025

Space Brief 5 Nov 2025

Today's focus: Sidus Space's new AI edge computer, Space Force's dynamic operations initiative, and key Pentagon acquisition reforms.

Space Brief 25 Jun 2025

Space Brief 25 Jun 2025

Today's highlights include the launch of a U.S. military satellite via SpaceX, a new French defense agreement for satellite services, and the Missile Defense Agency's successful ICBM target tracking with long-range radar.

The Multi-Orbit Myth? Why One Startup Thinks the Satellite Industry Got It Wrong

The Multi-Orbit Myth? Why One Startup Thinks the Satellite Industry Got It Wrong

The satellite industry's biggest operators are betting on multi-orbit architectures that combine LEO, MEO, and GEO into unified networks. A San Francisco startup called Contrivian thinks they've overcomplicated the problem, and the physics might be on its side.

X Report 24 Mar 2025

X Report 24 Mar 2025

SpaceX sets a rocket re-use record, Starlink satellites continue to proliferate, and Botswana launches its first national satellite.