# USA-156

> American navigation satellite used for GPS

**Wikidata**: [Q7865658](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7865658)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA-156)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/usa-156

## Summary
USA-156 is an American navigation satellite that is part of the NAVSTAR Global Positioning System (GPS), also known as Navstar 50. It was launched on January 30, 2001, to enhance global positioning and navigation capabilities.

## Key Facts
- USA-156 is classified as a GPS satellite, belonging to the NAVSTAR Global Positioning System
- The satellite was launched on January 30, 2001, from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17
- It was deployed using a Delta II launch vehicle, which was a retired expendable launch system
- Lockheed Martin manufactured USA-156 as part of the GPS satellite program
- The satellite is operated by the United States Air Force
- USA-156 has the COSPAR ID 2001-004A and SCN 26690
- The satellite belongs to the United States and is part of the country's space infrastructure

## FAQs
### Q: What is USA-156 used for?
A: USA-156 is a navigation satellite used for the Global Positioning System (GPS), providing precise positioning, navigation, and timing data to users worldwide.

### Q: When was USA-156 launched?
A: USA-156 was launched on January 30, 2001, from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17 aboard a Delta II rocket.

### Q: Who manufactured USA-156?
A: USA-156 was manufactured by Lockheed Martin, a major aerospace company that has produced numerous satellites for the GPS constellation.

### Q: What is USA-156 also known as?
A: USA-156 is also known by its alternative name, Navstar 50, which is part of the NAVSTAR Global Positioning System.

## Why It Matters
USA-156 represents a critical component of the United States' GPS infrastructure, which has become an essential utility for modern society. The satellite contributes to the GPS constellation that enables precise positioning and navigation for military operations, commercial aviation, maritime navigation, and everyday consumer applications ranging from smartphone mapping to agricultural equipment. By enhancing the accuracy and reliability of the GPS system, USA-156 helps support technologies that have transformed global transportation, emergency response systems, scientific research, and countless other sectors that depend on precise location data. The satellite's continued operation ensures the robustness of this vital global positioning network.

## Notable For
- Being part of the NAVSTAR Global Positioning System, a satellite-based radio navigation system
- Its designation as USA-156, following the U.S. Air Force's satellite naming convention
- Its alternative name "Navstar 50," indicating its position within the GPS satellite series
- Its launch aboard a Delta II rocket, a historically significant launch vehicle
- Its operation by the United States Air Force, which manages the GPS constellation

## Body
### Basic Information
USA-156 is an American navigation satellite that serves as part of the NAVSTAR Global Positioning System (GPS). The satellite is officially designated as USA-156 and is also known by the name Navstar 50. It belongs to the GPS satellite class, which are specialized satellites designed to provide positioning, navigation, and timing services to users worldwide.

### Launch Details
USA-156 was launched on January 30, 2001, from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17. The satellite was deployed using a Delta II launch vehicle, which was a retired expendable launch system in the Delta rocket family. The launch represented a significant event in the continued expansion and maintenance of the GPS constellation.

### Technical Specifications
- Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin
- Operator: United States Air Force
- Country: United States
- COSPAR ID: 2001-004A
- SCN: 26690
- Freebase ID: /m/0k8fh3f
- Wolfram Language Entity Code: Entity["Satellite", "26690"]

### System Integration
As part of the GPS satellite constellation, USA-156 works in conjunction with other GPS satellites to provide continuous global coverage. The satellite transmits radio signals that allow GPS receivers to determine their precise location, velocity, and time. This functionality supports a wide range of applications including military operations, commercial aviation, maritime navigation, surveying, and consumer electronics.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report