# GPS Block II

> GPS satellite block

**Wikidata**: [Q121831554](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q121831554)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/gps-block-ii

## Summary
GPS Block II is a series of GPS satellites manufactured by Rockwell International for the United States Air Force as part of the Global Positioning System. This spacecraft model followed the earlier GPS Block I and was succeeded by GPS Block IIA, comprising multiple satellites that contributed to the development of the modern GPS network.

## Key Facts
- GPS Block II is a spacecraft model and subclass of GPS satellite
- Followed the earlier GPS Block I and was succeeded by GPS Block IIA
- Manufactured by Rockwell International for the United States Air Force
- Country of origin: United States
- Part of the Global Positioning System (NAVSTAR GPS)
- Operator: United States Air Force
- Consists of specific satellites including GPS SVN 14, GPS SVN 13, GPS SVN 16, USA-47, USA-49, USA-50, USA-54, USA-63, USA-64
- Aliases: GPS Block 2, GPS II, GPS 2, Navstar-2

## FAQs
### Q: What is GPS Block II?
A: GPS Block II is a series of GPS satellites designed and manufactured by Rockwell International as part of the Global Positioning System for the United States Air Force. This spacecraft model followed GPS Block I and was later succeeded by GPS Block IIA, comprising multiple satellites that contributed to the development of the modern GPS network.

### Q: Which satellites were part of the GPS Block II program?
A: GPS Block II included specific satellites with designations including GPS SVN 14, GPS SVN 13, GPS SVN 16, USA-47, USA-49, USA-50, USA-54, USA-63, and USA-64. These satellites were launched as part of the expansion and enhancement of the GPS constellation.

### Q: Who manufactured GPS Block II satellites?
A: GPS Block II satellites were manufactured by Rockwell International, an American company that was responsible for producing several generations of GPS satellites. The company was selected by the United States Air Force to develop this critical component of the Global Positioning System.

### Q: How did GPS Block II fit into the evolution of GPS technology?
A: GPS Block II represented an advancement from the earlier GPS Block I and was itself followed by the improved GPS Block IIA. This progression marked the development of more sophisticated GPS technology that provided enhanced accuracy and reliability for global positioning services.

## Why It Matters
GPS Block II represents a critical milestone in the development of satellite-based navigation systems. As part of the Global Positioning System, these satellites dramatically improved the accuracy and reliability of positioning data, marking a significant leap forward from earlier GPS technology. The successful deployment of GPS Block II satellites established the foundation for the modern GPS network that billions of people rely on daily for navigation, timing, and location-based services. The technological advancements in GPS Block II satellites had profound implications across multiple sectors, including military operations, civilian aviation navigation, and scientific research that gained access to more accurate positioning data.

## Notable For
- First major operational generation of GPS satellites following the experimental Block I series
- Improved positioning accuracy and reliability over previous GPS iterations
- Manufactured by Rockwell International, a key contributor to the GPS satellite program
- Included both GPS SVN and USA designations in its satellite fleet
- Represented a transitional technology between early GPS and more modern Block IIA systems

## Body
### Technical Specifications
GPS Block II satellites represent a specific spacecraft model in the GPS satellite family. These satellites were manufactured by Rockwell International as a subcontractor to the United States Air Force. The satellites were designed to operate as part of the NAVSTAR Global Positioning System, contributing to the network that provides positioning, navigation, and timing services.

### Satellite Fleet
The GPS Block II block consisted of several specific satellites, including GPS SVN 14, GPS SVN 13, GPS SVN 16, USA-47, USA-49, USA-50, USA-54, USA-63, and USA-64. These satellites were launched at various times as part of the expanding GPS constellation. The inclusion of both GPS SVN and USA designations reflects the different naming conventions used for these satellites during their development and deployment phases.

### Development and Production
GPS Block II satellites were produced by Rockwell International, a major American aerospace manufacturer. The company was responsible for designing and manufacturing these critical components of the Global Positioning System infrastructure. The satellites represented a significant advancement in GPS technology following the earlier experimental GPS Block I series.

### Operational Context
Operated by the United States Air Force, GPS Block II satellites were part of the broader Global Positioning System. This satellite block followed GPS Block I and was subsequently succeeded by GPS Block IIA, forming part of an evolutionary progression in GPS satellite technology. The satellites contributed to the establishment of a reliable global positioning network.

### Classification and Relationships
GPS Block II is classified as a spacecraft model and serves as a subclass of GPS satellite. It stands in a clear relationship with other GPS satellite blocks, following GPS Block I and being followed by GPS Block IIA. This positioning within the GPS satellite family helps understand the technological progression and development of the overall GPS system.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "GPS Block II",
  "description": "A series of GPS satellites manufactured by Rockwell International for the United States Air Force as part of the Global Positioning System.",
  "sameAs": ["https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q328"],
  "additionalType": "spacecraft model"
}

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/navstar-2.htm)