Space Brief 26 Oct 2025
Today's brief covers a new Space Force contract for advanced tracking systems, innovative debris removal strategies, pivotal new satellite launches, and significant updates in air quality tracking from orbit.
NAVSTAR 82 (USA 343) (55268)
COSPAR: 2023-009A | Alt Name: GPS III SV06
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
January 18, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
55268
International Designator
2023-009A
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 14:29:48 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
55.13°
Right Ascension
147.24°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
333.01°
Period
717.96 min
Mean Motion
2.01 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
NAVSTAR 82 (USA 343)
Alternative Name
GPS III SV06
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SFSSC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 55268U 23009A 26200.60403647 .00000034 00000+0 00000+0 0 9995
2 55268 55.1255 147.2446 0005545 333.0065 201.1705 02.00569391 25893
Source: Celestrak
Summary
NAVSTAR 82 (USA 343), also known as GPS III SV06, is a navigation satellite operated by SFSSC and manufactured by LMSSD. It was launched on January 18, 2023, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station's LC40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 3.4 meters in length, 1.8 meters in diameter, and a span of 14 meters when its solar arrays are deployed. It has a dry mass of 2160 kilograms and a launch mass of 4352 kilograms. Equipped with two deployable solar arrays and batteries for power supply, the satellite is designed to operate for up to 15 years. Its mission involves providing navigation services as part of the GPS constellation.
Physical Characteristics
Length
3.4
Diameter
1.8
Span
14
Dry Mass
2160
Launch Mass
4352
Shape
Box + 2 pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
GPS SVN 79
Purpose
Navigation
Mission
Navigation
Manufacturer
LMSSD
Life Expectancy
15 years
Bus
A2100
Configuration
A2100A
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
SpaceX IPO Surges 20%; China Debuts Tallest Rocket | KeepTrack Space Brief
SpaceX shares jump 20% on first trading day after historic IPO. China launches tallest rocket while LandSpace preps second landing attempt. Tracking data.
X Report 22 Nov 2025
Major challenges emerged with SpaceX's next-generation Starship booster testing, while Starlink deployments continued with successful launches.
X Report 11 May 2025
SpaceX successfully launched 28 Starlink satellites from Florida, marking a significant milestone in their deployment strategy. This follows the recent launch of 26 satellites from California, highlighting ongoing expansion efforts.
Block 3 Starship Prep Accelerates at Starbase | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX accelerates Block 3 Starship pad work at Starbase as Russia preps Soyuz-5 debut alongside Falcon 9 internet satellite launches.
$4.16B Golden Dome Contract Awarded to SpaceX | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX wins a $4.16B Pentagon contract for missile-tracking satellites, while hitting its 50th Starlink launch of 2026 in a landmark May.
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.
Space Brief 24 Aug 2025
Today's brief covers SpaceX's secretive military launch, advancements in nuclear fusion, and groundbreaking observations of dying stars and supernovae.