# GPS SVN 13

> former American navigation satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q7865692](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7865692)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA-38)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/gps-svn-13

## Summary
GPS SVN 13 (also known as USA-38) was a former American navigation satellite launched in 1989 as part of the NAVSTAR Global Positioning System (GPS). Operated by the United States Air Force, it was manufactured by Rockwell International and played a role in the early expansion of the GPS constellation.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: June 10, 1989, at 22:30 UTC from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17A.
- **Operator**: United States Air Force.
- **Manufacturer**: Rockwell International.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Delta II (D-185 variant).
- **COSPAR ID**: 1989-044A.
- **Aliases**: Navstar 14, Navstar 2-02, GPS 2-2, GPS II-2, USA-38.
- **Preceded by**: GPS SVN 14.
- **Followed by**: GPS SVN 16.

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of GPS SVN 13?
A: GPS SVN 13 was a navigation satellite launched as part of the NAVSTAR GPS system to provide global positioning, navigation, and timing services.

### Q: When was GPS SVN 13 launched?
A: It was launched on June 10, 1989, from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17A.

### Q: Who operated GPS SVN 13?
A: The satellite was operated by the United States Air Force.

### Q: What rocket launched GPS SVN 13?
A: It was launched using a Delta II rocket (D-185 variant).

### Q: What are the alternative names for GPS SVN 13?
A: It is also known as Navstar 14, Navstar 2-02, GPS 2-2, GPS II-2, and USA-38.

## Why It Matters
GPS SVN 13 was part of the early GPS constellation, which revolutionized global navigation and timing services. As one of the initial satellites in the NAVSTAR system, it contributed to the development of a reliable, space-based navigation network that has since become essential for military, civilian, and commercial applications worldwide. The GPS system, including satellites like SVN 13, enabled precise positioning for aviation, maritime navigation, emergency response, and everyday consumer technologies like smartphones. Its launch marked a critical step in establishing the infrastructure that underpins modern location-based services.

## Notable For
- **Early GPS Satellite**: One of the early satellites in the NAVSTAR GPS constellation.
- **Delta II Launch**: Launched using the Delta II rocket, a key launch vehicle for GPS satellites.
- **Military and Civilian Use**: Contributed to both military and civilian navigation capabilities.
- **Rockwell Manufacturing**: Built by Rockwell International, a major aerospace manufacturer.

## Body
### Launch and Deployment
GPS SVN 13 was launched on June 10, 1989, at 22:30 UTC from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17A. The launch vehicle was a Delta II rocket, specifically the D-185 variant, which was a workhorse for deploying GPS satellites during this era.

### Technical Specifications
- **COSPAR ID**: 1989-044A.
- **NSSDCA ID**: 1989-044A.
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN)**: 20061.
- **Manufacturer**: Rockwell International, a prominent aerospace and defense company.

### Operational Role
As part of the NAVSTAR GPS system, GPS SVN 13 provided critical navigation and timing data. The GPS constellation, including SVN 13, enabled users worldwide to determine their precise location, velocity, and time, which was revolutionary for both military and civilian applications.

### Successor and Predecessor
GPS SVN 13 was preceded by GPS SVN 14 and followed by GPS SVN 16 in the sequence of GPS satellite launches. This sequence reflects the ongoing deployment and replacement of satellites to maintain and expand the GPS constellation.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "GPS SVN 13",
  "description": "Former American navigation satellite launched in 1989 as part of the NAVSTAR Global Positioning System (GPS).",
  "sameAs": ["https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12345678", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA-38"],
  "additionalType": "GPS satellite"
}

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report