# GPS SVN 8

> American GPS navigation satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q7072866](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7072866)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OPS_9794)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/gps-svn-8

## Summary
GPS SVN 8, also known as OPS 9794, is an American GPS navigation satellite launched on July 14, 1983, as part of the NAVSTAR Global Positioning System (GPS). It was the eighth satellite in the GPS Block I series and was launched aboard an Atlas E/F rocket from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 3 West. The satellite was operated by the United States Air Force and played a crucial role in the early development of the GPS constellation.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: July 14, 1983, at 10:21 UTC
- **Launch Vehicle**: Atlas E/F (serial number 75E)
- **Launch Site**: Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 3 West
- **Operator**: United States Air Force
- **Manufacturer**: Rockwell International
- **Instance of**: GPS satellite
- **Predecessor**: GPS SVN 7 (destroyed in a launch failure)
- **Successor**: GPS SVN 9
- **Aliases**: Navstar 8, GPS 8, GPS I-8, GPS 1-8, OPS 9794, Navstar GPS SVN 8
- **COSPAR ID**: 1983-072A
- **NSSDCA ID**: 1983-072A

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of GPS SVN 8?
A: GPS SVN 8 was part of the initial GPS satellite constellation, designed to provide global positioning, navigation, and timing services for military and civilian use.

### Q: Who launched GPS SVN 8?
A: GPS SVN 8 was launched by the United States Air Force aboard an Atlas E/F rocket from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 3 West on July 14, 1983.

### Q: What was the significance of GPS SVN 8 in the GPS constellation?
A: GPS SVN 8 was the eighth satellite in the GPS Block I series, contributing to the early development and deployment of the GPS system, which later became a critical global navigation infrastructure.

### Q: What happened to GPS SVN 7, the predecessor of GPS SVN 8?
A: GPS SVN 7 was destroyed in a launch failure, making GPS SVN 8 the first successful satellite in the GPS Block I series to reach orbit.

### Q: What was the relationship between GPS SVN 8 and GPS SVN 9?
A: GPS SVN 8 was followed by GPS SVN 9, continuing the sequence of GPS satellites in the Block I series.

## Why It Matters
GPS SVN 8 was a pivotal satellite in the early development of the Global Positioning System (GPS). As part of the GPS Block I series, it played a crucial role in establishing the initial constellation of satellites that provided the foundation for modern GPS technology. Launched in 1983, GPS SVN 8 was the eighth satellite in the series and followed the loss of GPS SVN 7, which was destroyed in a launch failure. The successful deployment of GPS SVN 8 marked a significant milestone in the GPS program, contributing to the system's reliability and global coverage. The satellite was operated by the United States Air Force and manufactured by Rockwell International. Its launch and operation were part of the broader effort to create a robust, accurate, and accessible navigation system for both military and civilian applications. GPS SVN 8's role in the early GPS constellation underscores its importance in the evolution of modern navigation technology.

## Notable For
- **First Successful GPS Block I Satellite**: GPS SVN 8 was the first successful satellite in the GPS Block I series to reach orbit after the failure of GPS SVN 7.
- **Contribution to GPS Constellation**: It was part of the initial GPS satellite constellation, which provided the foundation for modern global positioning, navigation, and timing services.
- **Operational Longevity**: Like other GPS satellites, GPS SVN 8 was designed to operate for an extended period, ensuring continuous coverage and reliability.
- **Military and Civilian Use**: The satellite supported both military and civilian applications, demonstrating the GPS system's versatility and global reach.
- **Technological Advancement**: GPS SVN 8 represented a significant technological advancement in the early days of GPS, paving the way for more advanced satellite navigation systems.

## Body
### Overview
GPS SVN 8, also known as OPS 9794, is an American GPS navigation satellite that was part of the initial GPS Block I series. It was launched on July 14, 1983, aboard an Atlas E/F rocket from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 3 West. The satellite was operated by the United States Air Force and manufactured by Rockwell International. GPS SVN 8 was the eighth satellite in the GPS Block I series and followed the launch failure of GPS SVN 7.

### Launch and Deployment
GPS SVN 8 was launched on July 14, 1983, at 10:21 UTC. The launch vehicle used was an Atlas E/F rocket, specifically serial number 75E. The satellite was deployed from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 3 West, a key launch site for GPS satellites. The successful deployment of GPS SVN 8 marked a significant milestone in the GPS program, as it was the first successful satellite in the GPS Block I series to reach orbit after the failure of GPS SVN 7.

### Role in GPS Constellation
GPS SVN 8 was part of the initial GPS satellite constellation, which provided the foundation for modern global positioning, navigation, and timing services. The satellite was designed to operate for an extended period, ensuring continuous coverage and reliability. It supported both military and civilian applications, demonstrating the GPS system's versatility and global reach. GPS SVN 8's role in the early GPS constellation underscores its importance in the evolution of modern navigation technology.

### Technical Specifications
GPS SVN 8 was manufactured by Rockwell International and had a COSPAR ID of 1983-072A. It was assigned the NSSDCA ID of 1983-072A. The satellite was part of the GPS Block I series, which was the first generation of GPS satellites. GPS SVN 8 was followed by GPS SVN 9, continuing the sequence of GPS satellites in the Block I series.

### Significance and Legacy
GPS SVN 8 played a crucial role in the early development of the Global Positioning System (GPS). Its successful deployment and operation were part of the broader effort to create a robust, accurate, and accessible navigation system for both military and civilian applications. The satellite's legacy includes its contribution to the initial GPS constellation and its role in the technological advancement of satellite navigation systems.

## Schema Markup
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  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "GPS SVN 8",
  "description": "American GPS navigation satellite launched on July 14, 1983, as part of the NAVSTAR Global Positioning System (GPS).",
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## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report