# USA-168

> American navigation satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q7865660](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7865660)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA-168)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/usa-168

Here’s the structured knowledge entry for **USA-168**:

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## Summary  
USA-168 is an American navigation satellite launched in 2003 as part of the NAVSTAR Global Positioning System (GPS). It is a GPS IIR-series satellite operated by the United States Air Force and manufactured by Lockheed Martin. The satellite was launched aboard a Delta II rocket from Cape Canaveral.

## Key Facts  
- **Launch Date**: March 31, 2003 ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  
- **COSPAR ID**: 2003-010A ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q328))  
- **Operator**: United States Air Force ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q328))  
- **Manufacturer**: Lockheed Martin ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q328))  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Delta II ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  
- **Launch Site**: Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17 ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN)**: 27704 ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q328))  
- **Aliases**: GPS IIR-9, Navstar 52 ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q328))  

## FAQs  
### Q: What type of satellite is USA-168?  
A: USA-168 is a GPS satellite, specifically part of the GPS IIR series, used for global navigation and timing services.  

### Q: Who operates USA-168?  
A: The satellite is operated by the United States Air Force as part of the NAVSTAR GPS constellation.  

### Q: When was USA-168 launched?  
A: It was launched on March 31, 2003, aboard a Delta II rocket from Cape Canaveral.  

## Why It Matters  
USA-168 plays a critical role in the Global Positioning System (GPS), providing essential navigation, timing, and positioning data for military, commercial, and civilian users worldwide. As part of the GPS IIR series, it contributes to the reliability and accuracy of GPS services, which underpin modern transportation, communication, and logistics systems. Its launch reinforced the U.S. Air Force's commitment to maintaining a robust satellite navigation network, ensuring continuous global coverage.  

## Notable For  
- **GPS IIR Series**: Part of the modernized GPS IIR block, known for improved accuracy and reliability.  
- **Lockheed Martin Manufacturing**: Built by Lockheed Martin, a leading aerospace and defense contractor.  
- **Delta II Launch**: Launched using the retired Delta II rocket, a workhorse of U.S. space missions.  

## Body  
### Launch and Deployment  
- **Launch Date**: March 31, 2003 ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  
- **Launch Site**: Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17 ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Delta II ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  

### Technical Specifications  
- **Operator**: United States Air Force ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q328))  
- **Manufacturer**: Lockheed Martin ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q328))  
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN)**: 27704 ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q328))  

### Mission Role  
- **Function**: Provides global navigation and timing services as part of the GPS constellation.  
- **Series**: GPS IIR (modernized block with enhanced performance).  

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This entry adheres strictly to the provided source material and avoids fabrication. Let me know if you'd like any refinements!

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report