# GPS-III SV04

> GPS III satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q106417872](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q106417872)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA-309)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/gps-iii-sv04

## Summary
GPS-III SV04 is a GPS Block III satellite launched by the United States Space Force to enhance the Global Positioning System (GPS). It is the fourth satellite in the GPS III series, designed to provide improved accuracy, anti-jam capabilities, and extended lifespan compared to previous GPS satellites.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: November 5, 2020, at 23:24:23 UTC.
- **Mass**: 3,880 kg (launch weight), 2,269 kg (dry weight).
- **Operator**: United States Space Force.
- **Manufacturer**: Lockheed Martin Space.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Falcon 9 Block 5 (B1062.1).
- **Orbit**: Medium Earth orbit.
- **Power Source**: Spacecraft solar array (2 panels) and LEROS engine.
- **Preceded by**: GPS-III SV03.
- **Followed by**: GPS-III SV05.
- **Aliases**: USA-309, GPS-3 4, Sacagawea, GPS SVN 77, Navstar 80.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the purpose of GPS-III SV04?
A: GPS-III SV04 is part of the Global Positioning System (GPS) constellation, providing enhanced navigation, timing, and positioning services for military and civilian users worldwide.

### Q: When was GPS-III SV04 launched?
A: GPS-III SV04 was launched on November 5, 2020, at 23:24:23 UTC from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40.

### Q: Who operates GPS-III SV04?
A: The satellite is operated by the United States Space Force.

### Q: What are the key improvements in GPS-III SV04 over previous GPS satellites?
A: GPS-III SV04 offers improved accuracy, anti-jam capabilities, and a longer operational lifespan compared to earlier GPS satellites.

### Q: What was the launch vehicle for GPS-III SV04?
A: The satellite was launched using a Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket, specifically the B1062.1 booster.

## Why It Matters
GPS-III SV04 plays a critical role in modern navigation and timing infrastructure, supporting a wide range of applications from military operations to civilian GPS services. As part of the GPS Block III series, it introduces advancements in signal accuracy, resistance to interference, and operational longevity, ensuring the reliability and precision of GPS services for years to come. These improvements are vital for national security, emergency response, transportation, and everyday consumer technologies that rely on GPS data. By enhancing the resilience and performance of the GPS constellation, GPS-III SV04 contributes to the global infrastructure that underpins modern society.

## Notable For
- **Firsts**: Part of the first batch of GPS III satellites, representing a significant upgrade over previous generations.
- **Technical Advancements**: Features improved anti-jam capabilities and higher accuracy for both military and civilian users.
- **Operational Lifespan**: Designed for a longer operational life compared to earlier GPS satellites.
- **Launch Vehicle**: One of the first GPS satellites launched using a SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket.
- **Aliases**: Known by multiple designations, including USA-309 and Navstar 80, reflecting its role in the GPS constellation.

## Body
### Overview
GPS-III SV04 is a satellite in the GPS Block III series, designed to modernize the Global Positioning System. It is operated by the United States Space Force and was manufactured by Lockheed Martin Space. The satellite was launched on November 5, 2020, using a Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: The satellite has a launch weight of 3,880 kg and a dry weight of 2,269 kg.
- **Power Source**: It is powered by a spacecraft solar array with two panels and a LEROS engine.
- **Orbit**: GPS-III SV04 operates in medium Earth orbit, contributing to the GPS constellation.

### Launch Details
- **Launch Date and Time**: November 5, 2020, at 23:24:23 UTC.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Falcon 9 Block 5, specifically the B1062.1 booster.
- **Launch Site**: Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40.

### Role in GPS Constellation
GPS-III SV04 is part of the Global Positioning System, providing navigation, timing, and positioning services. It follows GPS-III SV03 and is succeeded by GPS-III SV05, ensuring continuity and enhancement of GPS capabilities.

### Aliases and Designations
The satellite is known by several aliases, including USA-309, GPS-3 4, Sacagawea, GPS SVN 77, and Navstar 80. These designations reflect its role and position within the GPS constellation.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "GPS-III SV04",
  "description": "GPS III satellite launched by the United States Space Force to enhance the Global Positioning System (GPS).",
  "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA-309",
  "sameAs": ["https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA-309"],
  "additionalType": "Satellite"
}

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/navstar-3.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://everydayastronaut.com/gps-block-iii-sv04/)