NTS
Spacecraft · USA
Original archive entry. The text, images and links below are kept as they were written.
Credit: Manufacturer Image
American navigation technology satellite. Demonstrated navigation technologies. Navigation satellite built by Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) for USAF STP (Space Test Program), USA. Launched 1974.
More at: NTS.
Subtopics
- NTS 2 (P76-4) Null
- NTS 3 Navigation satellite built by, USA.
Related
- Country
- USA
- Engines
- Star 24
- Launch Vehicles
- Atlas, Atlas F, Atlas F/PTS, Atlas F/SVS
- Projects
- Navstar
- Launch Sites
- Vandenberg, Vandenberg SLC3W
- Agency
- USN
Photo Gallery
NTS 1
Credit: Manufacturer Image
NTS 2
Credit: Manufacturer Image
Chronology
2 events
1974 July 14
05:17 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC3W. LV Family: Atlas. Launch Vehicle: Atlas F/PTS.- NTS 1 - .
Payload: Timation 3 / OPS 7518 / P73-3. Mass: 293 kg (645 lb). Nation: USA.
Agency: USAF.
Program: Navstar.
Class: Technology.
Type: Navigation technology satellite. Spacecraft: NTS.
USAF Sat Cat: 7369 . COSPAR: 1974-054A. Apogee: 13,774 km (8,558 mi). Perigee: 13,446 km (8,354 mi). Inclination: 125.20 deg. Period: 468.70 min.
Space Test Program flight P73-3 was launched from the Western Test Range, and the payload - Navy Navigation Technology Satellite #1 (NTS-1) - was successfully placed into orbit. Demonstrated navigation technologies leading eventually to Navstar/GPS system. Operated for 5 years.
1977 June 23
09:16 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC3W. LV Family: Atlas. Launch Vehicle: Atlas F/SVS.- NTS 2 - .
Mass: 431 kg (950 lb). Nation: USA.
Agency: USAF,
USN.
Program: Navstar.
Class: Technology.
Type: Navigation technology satellite. Spacecraft: NTS.
USAF Sat Cat: 10091 . COSPAR: 1977-053A. Apogee: 20,256 km (12,586 mi). Perigee: 20,115 km (12,498 mi). Inclination: 63.90 deg. Period: 718.10 min.
An Atlas booster and a Global Positioning System Stage Vehicle launched Navigation Technology Satellite 2 into orbit from Vandenberg AFB, California. This was the first use of the GPS Stage Vehicle. Navigation Technical Satellite; GPS precursor. Operated 50% satisfactorily -- still operating 25 years later.