# GPS-III SV06

> GPS III satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q120208722](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q120208722)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA-343)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/gps-iii-sv06

## Summary
GPS-III SV06 (Space Vehicle 06) is a United States Space Force satellite and the sixth vehicle in the GPS Block III constellation. Manufactured by Lockheed Martin Space and launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 on January 18, 2023, it provides positioning, navigation, and timing services as part of the Global Positioning System. The satellite entered formal service on February 16, 2023, and is also known by the names USA-343 and "Amelia Earhart."

## Key Facts
- **Classification:** GPS Block III satellite (also referred to as Navstar 82 and GPS SVN 79).
- **Launch Date:** January 18, 2023, at 15:43:10 UTC.
- **Launch Site:** Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40.
- **Launch Vehicle:** Falcon 9 Block 5 (Booster B1077.2).
- **Service Entry:** February 16, 2023, at 20:56 UTC.
- **Manufacturer:** Lockheed Martin Space.
- **Operator:** United States Space Force.
- **Orbit:** Medium Earth orbit.
- **Mass:** 4,352 kg (launch weight); 2,269 kg (dry weight).
- **Identifiers:** COSPAR ID 2023-009A; SCN 55268.

## FAQs
### Q: What distinguishes GPS-III SV06 from other GPS satellites?
A: GPS-III SV06 is a specific unit within the modernized GPS Block III fleet, distinguished by its unique identifiers (USA-343, SVN 79) and its dedicated nickname, "Amelia Earhart." It follows the GPS-III SV05 in the sequence of deployments.

### Q: When did GPS-III SV06 become operational?
A: The satellite was launched on January 18, 2023, and officially entered service less than a month later on February 16, 2023.

### Q: What rocket launched GPS-III SV06?
A: It was launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket, utilizing the specific booster core designated B1077 for its second flight.

## Why It Matters
GPS-III SV06 represents a continued modernization of the Global Positioning System, ensuring the longevity and reliability of critical infrastructure relied upon by billions of users worldwide. As part of the GPS Block III series, this satellite incorporates advanced technologies housed on the Lockheed Martin A2100 bus, which offers improved reliability and flexibility compared to previous generations.

The deployment of SV06, managed by the United States Space Force, underscores the strategic partnership between the U.S. military and commercial launch providers like SpaceX. By utilizing the Falcon 9 Block 5, the Space Force demonstrated efficient launch cadence capabilities, bringing the satellite into Medium Earth orbit to enhance the constellation's coverage. The rapid transition from its January 18 launch to its February 16 service entry highlights the operational maturity of the ground and space segments, allowing for quicker integration of new assets into the global navigation network.

## Notable For
- **Naming:** It carries the honorary name "Amelia Earhart," continuing the tradition of naming GPS satellites after famous explorers or pioneers.
- **Rapid Activation:** The satellite achieved service entry status in under one month following its launch.
- **Reusable Launch:** It was deployed using a flight-proven Falcon 9 booster (B1077), marking its second mission.
- **Bus Platform:** It utilizes the modern A2100 spacecraft bus.
- **Propulsion:** The satellite is equipped with a LEROS propulsion system.

## Body

### Development and Manufacturing
GPS-III SV06 was manufactured by Lockheed Martin Space and is classified as a GPS Block III satellite. It is built upon the A2100 spacecraft bus, a modular platform designed for flexibility and reliability in military and commercial space operations. The satellite has a dry weight of 2,269 kg and a launch weight of 4,352 kg.

### Launch and Deployment
The satellite successfully launched on January 18, 2023, at 15:43:10 UTC. The mission utilized a Falcon 9 Block 5 launch vehicle lifting off from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40. The specific first-stage booster used for this mission was B1077.2, indicating it was the second flight for this particular core. The launch contractor was SpaceX.

### Operational Specifications
Upon reaching its designated slot in Medium Earth orbit, GPS-III SV06 underwent checkout procedures before officially entering service on February 16, 2023, at 20:56 UTC. The satellite's power systems consist of two spacecraft solar arrays. For orbital maneuvering and station-keeping, the satellite utilizes a LEROS main engine. It is operated by the United States Space Force and is tracked internationally under the COSPAR ID 2023-009A and North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) SatCat No. 55268.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "GPS-III SV06",
  "description": "A GPS Block III satellite operated by the United States Space Force, launched in 2023.",
  "identifier": [
    "USA-343",
    "GPS-3 6",
    "Amelia Earhart",
    "GPS SVN 79",
    "Navstar 82",
    "2023-009A"
  ],
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q116732554",
    "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA-343"
  ],
  "additionalType": "GPS Block III"
}

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/navstar-3.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Notice Advisory to NAVSTAR Users](https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/sites/default/files/gps/nanu/2023/2023013.nnu)
4. [Source](https://spaceflightnow.com/2023/01/18/falcon-9-gps-3-sv06/)