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GPS Block 1
Part of Navstar
GPS Block 1
GPS Block 1
Credit: USAF
American navigation satellite. GPS Block 1 prototype satellites formed the GPS Demonstration system and were followed by the Block 2 operational system.

AKA: Global Positioning System;Navstar. Status: Operational 1978. First Launch: 1978-02-22. Last Launch: 1985-10-09. Number: 11 . Gross mass: 759 kg (1,673 lb). Span: 5.30 m (17.30 ft).

The spacecraft was 3-axis stabilized, nadir pointing using reaction wheels. Dual solar arrays supplied over 400 watts (EOL) and charged NiCd batteries. S-Band (SGLS) communications were used for control and telemetry. A UHF channel provided cross-links between spacecraft. A hydrazine propulsion system was used for orbital correction. The payload included two L-Band navigation signals at 1575.42 MHz (L1) and 1227.60 MHz (L2)

Block I satellites cost $ 20 million each. In 1974 Rockwell was awarded a contract to build 8 satellites. A 1978 contract amendment added 4 additional satellites. This was subsequently modified in 1981 for the twelfth satellite to be produced as the first GPS Block 2 qualification model.

Electric System: 0.40 average kW.



Family: Medium earth orbit, Navigation. Country: USA. Launch Vehicles: Atlas, Atlas E, Atlas F, Atlas F/SVS, Atlas E/SVS, Atlas E/SGS-2. Projects: Navstar. Launch Sites: Vandenberg, Vandenberg SLC3W, Vandenberg SLC3E. Stages: Star 27. Agency: USAF, North American. Bibliography: 2, 278, 5, 6.
Photo Gallery

USA 10USA 10
Credit: Manufacturer Image


USA 128USA 128
Credit: Manufacturer Image



1978 February 22 - . 23:44 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC3E. LV Family: Atlas. Launch Vehicle: Atlas F/SVS.
1978 May 13 - . 10:34 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC3E. LV Family: Atlas. Launch Vehicle: Atlas F/SVS.
1978 October 7 - . 00:28 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC3E. LV Family: Atlas. Launch Vehicle: Atlas F/SVS.
1978 December 11 - . 03:59 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC3E. LV Family: Atlas. Launch Vehicle: Atlas F/SVS.
1980 February 9 - . 23:08 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC3E. LV Family: Atlas. Launch Vehicle: Atlas F/SVS.
1980 April 26 - . 22:00 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC3E. LV Family: Atlas. Launch Vehicle: Atlas F/SVS.
1981 December 19 - . 01:10 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC3E. LV Family: Atlas. Launch Vehicle: Atlas E/SVS. FAILURE: Failure.. Failed Stage: 1.
1983 July 14 - . 10:21 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC3W. LV Family: Atlas. Launch Vehicle: Atlas E/SGS-2.
1984 June 13 - . 11:37 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC3W. LV Family: Atlas. Launch Vehicle: Atlas E/SGS-2.
1984 September 8 - . 21:41 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC3W. LV Family: Atlas. Launch Vehicle: Atlas E/SGS-2.
1985 October 9 - . 02:53 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC3W. LV Family: Atlas. Launch Vehicle: Atlas E/SGS-2.

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