# USA-145

> American navigation satellite used for GPS

**Wikidata**: [Q7865653](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7865653)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA-145)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/usa-145

## Summary
USA-145 is an American navigation satellite launched on October 7, 1999, as part of the GPS IIR series for the NAVSTAR Global Positioning System (GPS). It was operated by the United States Air Force and manufactured by Lockheed Martin, using a Delta II launch vehicle.

## Key Facts
- **Instance of**: GPS satellite (part of the NAVSTAR Global Positioning System)
- **Aliases**: Navstar 46, GPS IIR-3
- **Country of origin**: United States
- **Operator**: United States Air Force
- **Launch date**: October 7, 1999
- **Launch site**: Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17
- **Launch vehicle**: Delta II (retired expendable launch system)
- **Manufacturer**: Lockheed Martin
- **COSPAR ID**: 1999-055A
- **Wikidata ID**: Q25933

## FAQs
### Q: What type of satellite was USA-145?
A: USA-145 was a GPS satellite, specifically part of the GPS IIR series, designed for navigation and positioning services.

### Q: Who operated USA-145?
A: The satellite was operated by the United States Air Force.

### Q: What was the launch vehicle for USA-145?
A: USA-145 was launched using a Delta II rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17 on October 7, 1999.

### Q: Who manufactured USA-145?
A: The satellite was manufactured by Lockheed Martin.

### Q: What is the COSPAR ID for USA-145?
A: The COSPAR ID for USA-145 is 1999-055A.

## Why It Matters
USA-145 was part of the GPS IIR series, which improved the accuracy and reliability of the Global Positioning System (GPS). The GPS IIR satellites introduced new features such as better atomic clocks and improved signal accuracy, enhancing the overall performance of the GPS network. As a navigation satellite, USA-145 played a crucial role in providing precise positioning, navigation, and timing services to military and civilian users worldwide. Its successful deployment contributed to the expansion and modernization of the GPS constellation, ensuring global coverage and reliability for various applications, including aviation, maritime navigation, and emergency response.

## Notable For
- **Part of the GPS IIR series**: USA-145 was one of the GPS IIR satellites, which introduced improvements in signal accuracy and reliability.
- **Operated by the U.S. Air Force**: The satellite was managed by the United States Air Force, ensuring its integration into the broader GPS network.
- **Launched by a Delta II rocket**: The satellite was launched using the Delta II rocket, a retired expendable launch system known for its reliability.
- **Manufactured by Lockheed Martin**: Lockheed Martin played a key role in the satellite's development and production.
- **COSPAR ID 1999-055A**: The satellite's COSPAR ID reflects its launch in 1999, contributing to the ongoing modernization of the GPS constellation.

## Body
### Classification and Series
USA-145 is classified as a GPS satellite, specifically part of the GPS IIR series. The GPS IIR satellites were an evolution of the original GPS Block II satellites, introducing improvements in signal accuracy and reliability. This series played a significant role in modernizing the GPS constellation.

### Operational Details
- **Operator**: The United States Air Force was responsible for the satellite's operation and integration into the GPS network.
- **Launch Details**: USA-145 was launched on October 7, 1999, using a Delta II rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17. The Delta II was a reliable expendable launch system used for various satellite deployments.
- **Manufacturer**: Lockheed Martin was the primary contractor for the satellite's design and construction.

### Identification and Tracking
- **COSPAR ID**: The satellite's COSPAR ID is 1999-055A, which provides a unique identifier for tracking and cataloging space objects.
- **Aliases**: USA-145 is also known by the aliases Navstar 46 and GPS IIR-3, reflecting its designation within the GPS IIR series.

### Significance in GPS Modernization
The GPS IIR series, including USA-145, was instrumental in enhancing the accuracy and reliability of the Global Positioning System. These satellites introduced improvements such as better atomic clocks and signal processing, which contributed to the overall performance of the GPS network. The successful deployment of USA-145 and other GPS IIR satellites helped expand the GPS constellation, ensuring global coverage and reliability for various applications.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report