# GPS SVN 16

> American GPS navigation satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q7865693](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7865693)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA-42)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/gps-svn-16

## Summary
GPS SVN 16 is an American navigation satellite launched as part of the NAVSTAR Global Positioning System. Also known as USA-42, it was developed to enhance global positioning and timing capabilities for military and civilian users.

## Key Facts
- **Satellite Vehicle Number (SVN)**: 16
- **Launch Date**: August 18, 1989
- **Launch Vehicle**: Delta II
- **Launch Site**: Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17
- **Operator**: United States Air Force
- **Manufacturer**: Rockwell International
- **COSPAR ID**: 1989-064A
- **Country**: United States
- **Alternative Names**: Navstar 15, Navstar 2-03, GPS 2-3, GPS II-3, USA-42, Navstar GPS SVN 16
- **Instance Of**: GPS satellite

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of GPS SVN 16?  
A: GPS SVN 16 served as a navigation satellite within the NAVSTAR Global Positioning System, providing precise positioning and timing data to users worldwide.

### Q: When and where was GPS SVN 16 launched?  
A: It was launched on August 18, 1989, from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17 using a Delta II rocket.

### Q: Who was responsible for building and operating GPS SVN 16?  
A: The satellite was manufactured by Rockwell International and operated by the United States Air Force.

### Q: What are the other names used for GPS SVN 16?  
A: It was also referred to as Navstar 15, USA-42, GPS 2-3, and GPS II-3, among others.

## Why It Matters
GPS SVN 16 contributed significantly to the early expansion of the NAVSTAR Global Positioning System during its initial operational phase. As part of the Block II satellite series, it improved positioning accuracy and reliability for military navigation, aviation, and emerging civilian GPS applications. Its launch marked a key milestone in the transition from prototype to a fully functional global navigation network, laying the groundwork for modern GPS infrastructure that underpins global transportation, communications, and scientific research. Despite being retired, this satellite exemplifies the technological foundation of ubiquitous location-based services.

## Notable For
- One of the initial Block II GPS satellites deployed to enhance operational capabilities.
- Launched on the inaugural Delta II rocket mission for the GPS constellation (1989).
- Manufactured by Rockwell International, a primary contractor for early GPS satellites.
- Identified by its unique COSPAR ID (1989-064A) for tracking in international space registries.
- Operated by the United States Air Force to support critical national security positioning needs.

## Body
### Overview
GPS SVN 16 is an American navigation satellite categorized under the NAVSTAR Global Positioning System. It was designed to augment the GPS constellation's coverage and precision during the late 1980s.

### Launch and Deployment
- **Mission**: Rocket launch event on August 18, 1989  
- **Launchpad**: Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17  
- **Vehicle Class**: Delta II (retired expendable launch system)  
- **COSPAR Designation**: 1989-064A  

### Technical Identity
- **Satellite Vehicle Number (SVN)**: 16  
- **Manufacturer**: Rockwell International  
- **Operator**: United States Air Force  
- **Primary Classification**: GPS satellite  

### Nomenclature
Recognized by multiple aliases:  
- Navstar 15  
- Navstar 2-03  
- GPS 2-3  
- GPS II-3  
- USA-42  
- Navstar GPS SVN 16  

### Context
- **Geopolitical Scope**: United States satellite system  
- **System Role**: Part of the NAVSTAR Global Positioning System (GPS)  
- **Predecessor**: GPS SVN 13 (based on sequence data)  
- **Successor**: Not specified in provided materials  

### Data Integrity
- **Wikipedia Title**: USA-42  
- **Sitelink Count**: 1 (as per Wikidata)  
- **Freebase ID**: /m/0k82hqn  
- **Supported Languages**: English (wikipedia_languages: en)

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report