# USA-166

> Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q7865659](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7865659)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA-166)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/usa-166

## Summary
USA-166, also known as Navstar 51, is a Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite operated by the United States Air Force. Launched on January 29, 2003, it was manufactured by Lockheed Martin and deployed using a Delta II rocket. It is part of the NAVSTAR network providing global positioning capabilities.

## Key Facts
- **Official Name:** USA-166
- **Alias:** Navstar 51
- **Type:** GPS satellite (Global Positioning System)
- **Operator:** United States Air Force
- **Country:** United States
- **Manufacturer:** Lockheed Martin
- **Launch Date:** January 29, 2003
- **Launch Vehicle:** Delta II
- **Launch Site:** Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17
- **COSPAR ID:** 2003-005A
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 27663

## FAQs
### Q: What is USA-166?
A: USA-166 is an American GPS satellite, alternatively designated as Navstar 51. It is operated by the United States Air Force to support the Global Positioning System network.

### Q: When was USA-166 launched?
A: USA-166 was launched on January 29, 2003. The launch took place at Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17.

### Q: Who manufactured and launched USA-166?
A: The satellite was manufactured by Lockheed Martin. It was launched into orbit using a Delta II rocket.

## Why It Matters
USA-166 serves as a critical component of the United States' space-based navigation infrastructure. As part of the NAVSTAR Global Positioning System, it contributes to the constellation of satellites that provide precise positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) services to military and civilian users worldwide.

Launched in early 2003, the satellite represents the continuing efforts by the United States Air Force and contractor Lockheed Martin to maintain and modernize the GPS network. Its deployment via the Delta II rocket from Cape Canaveral underscores the collaboration between the U.S. military and the aerospace industry to ensure the reliability of global utility services that billions of users rely upon daily for everything from personal navigation to financial transactions and military operations.

## Notable For
- Being identified as **Navstar 51**, a distinct designation within the GPS constellation.
- Serving as an operational asset for the **United States Air Force** space command.
- Launching aboard the **Delta II**, a historically significant expendable launch system.
- Being tracked internationally under the **COSPAR ID 2003-005A** and **Satellite Catalog Number 27663**.

## Body
### Mission and Classification
USA-166 is classified as a **GPS satellite**, functioning within the NAVSTAR Global Positioning System. The satellite is owned by the **United States** and operated by the **United States Air Force**. Its primary role is to transmit signals that allow receivers on the ground to determine their exact location (longitude, latitude, and altitude) and the precise time.

### Manufacturing and Development
The satellite was constructed by **Lockheed Martin**, a major American aerospace and defense contractor. Lockheed Martin has been a longstanding manufacturer for the GPS program, producing various blocks of navigation satellites.

### Launch Operations
The launch of USA-166 is recorded as a significant event in the satellite's timeline:
- **Date:** January 29, 2003
- **Vehicle:** **Delta II**, a retired expendable launch system known for its reliability in deploying GPS satellites.
- **Location:** **Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17**, a historic launch site used extensively for Delta missions.

### Technical Identifiers
For tracking and orbital management, USA-166 is identified by several international codes:
- **COSPAR ID:** 2003-005A
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 27663
- **Wolfram Language Entity Code:** Entity["Satellite", "27663"]

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report