Space Brief 22 Sep 2025
Today's edition highlights the operational deployment of HawkEye 360's Cluster 12, Shandong's record satellite launch, Planet Labs' latest imaging achievements, SpaceX's Starlink launches, and more.
NAVSTAR 71 (USA 256) (40105)
COSPAR: 2014-045A | Alt Name: GPS IIF-7
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
August 2, 2014
Launch Site
Launch Pad
SLC41
Launch Vehicle
Atlas V 401
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
40105
International Designator
2014-045A
Epoch
Thu, 02 Jul 2026 00:16:15 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
55.36°
Right Ascension
87.87°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
118.33°
Period
717.99 min
Mean Motion
2.01 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
NAVSTAR 71 (USA 256)
Alternative Name
GPS IIF-7
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
AFSMC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 40105U 14045A 26183.01128841 -.00000018 00000-0 00000-0 0 9999
2 40105 55.3623 87.8744 0033959 118.3288 242.0466 2.00559500 86378
Source: Celestrak
Summary
NAVSTAR 71 (USA 256), also known as GPS IIF-7, is a US satellite operated by AFSMC for navigation purposes. It was launched on August 2, 2014, from Space Launch Complex 41 at AFETR using an Atlas V 401 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has a dry mass of 1500 kg and a launch mass of 1630 kg, measuring 2.5 meters in length with a diameter of 1.8 meters and a span of 18 meters. It is equipped with 2 deployable solar arrays and batteries for power supply and has an expected lifetime of 12 years. The satellite carries the GPS SVN 68 payload and employs a 3-axis stabilized configuration for its mission.
Physical Characteristics
Length
2.5
Diameter
1.8
Span
18
Dry Mass
1500
Launch Mass
1630
Shape
Box + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
10.7868
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
GPS SVN 68
Purpose
Navigation
Mission
Navigation
Manufacturer
BOES
Life Expectancy
12 years
Bus
GPS IIF
Configuration
3-Axis stabilized
Motor
AOCS
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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