# USA-154

> American navigation satellite used for GPS

**Wikidata**: [Q7865657](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7865657)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA-154)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/usa-154

## Summary
USA-154 is an American navigation satellite that serves as a component of the NAVSTAR Global Positioning System (GPS). Launched on November 10, 2000, it was manufactured by Lockheed Martin and is operated by the United States Air Force.

## Key Facts
- **Classification:** GPS satellite (NAVSTAR Global Positioning System)
- **Launch Date:** November 10, 2000
- **Launch Vehicle:** Delta II (retired expendable launch system)
- **Manufacturer:** Lockheed Martin
- **Operator:** United States Air Force
- **Launch Site:** Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 26605
- **COSPAR ID:** 2000-071A
- **Alias:** Navstar 49

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary function of USA-154?
A: USA-154 is a navigation satellite used to provide positioning, navigation, and timing data as part of the Global Positioning System (GPS). It is a member of the NAVSTAR constellation operated by the United States Air Force.

### Q: When and how was USA-154 launched?
A: The satellite was launched on November 10, 2000, from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17. It was carried into orbit by a Delta II rocket, which was a prominent expendable launch system in the Delta rocket family.

### Q: Who built and manages USA-154?
A: USA-154 was manufactured by Lockheed Martin. It is managed and operated by the United States Air Force as part of the United States' military and civilian navigation infrastructure.

## Why It Matters
USA-154 is a foundational element of the NAVSTAR Global Positioning System, a critical global utility for both military and civilian applications. By providing precise timing and location data, satellites in this class enable a vast array of modern technologies, from smartphone navigation to synchronized power grids and international logistics. 

The deployment of USA-154 represents a specific period in the evolution of the GPS constellation, utilizing the Delta II launch vehicle—a system that was instrumental in establishing the reliability of the Delta rocket family before its retirement. As an asset operated by the United States Air Force and manufactured by Lockheed Martin, USA-154 exemplifies the long-standing partnership between the U.S. government and the aerospace industry in maintaining global navigation infrastructure.

## Notable For
- **Constellation Membership:** Serves as a dedicated node in the NAVSTAR Global Positioning System.
- **Launch Platform:** Deployed via the Delta II, a historically significant but now retired expendable launch system.
- **Identification:** Recognized in international catalogs by the COSPAR ID 2000-071A and SCN 26605.
- **System Alias:** Specifically designated as Navstar 49 within the GPS fleet.

## Body

### Launch and Mission Profile
USA-154 was successfully launched into orbit on November 10, 2000. The launch took place at Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17, a primary site for U.S. space operations. The mission utilized the Delta II launch vehicle, an expendable system known for its role in deploying various GPS satellites before the family was retired.

### Technical Specifications and Identification
The satellite was manufactured by Lockheed Martin, a major aerospace and defense contractor. It is operated by the United States Air Force. For tracking and scientific purposes, the satellite is identified by several unique codes:
*   **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 26605
*   **COSPAR ID:** 2000-071A
*   **Wolfram Language Entity Code:** Entity["Satellite", "26605"]
*   **Freebase ID:** /m/0k7ywms

### Role in Global Positioning
As an instance of a GPS satellite, USA-154 contributes to the NAVSTAR system's ability to provide global coverage. It is frequently referred to by its alias, Navstar 49. The satellite functions by broadcasting precise signals that allow receivers on Earth to determine their exact location and time, supporting the broader infrastructure of the United States' navigation capabilities.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report