# USA-206

> American navigation satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q7865679](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7865679)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA-206)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/usa-206

## Summary  
USA-206 is an American navigation satellite operated by the United States Air Force as part of the GPS (Global Positioning System). Launched in 2009, it is a GPS IIR-M satellite manufactured by Lockheed Martin and deployed into medium Earth orbit. It serves as a critical component of the NAVSTAR GPS network, providing global positioning data.

## Key Facts  
- **Launch Date**: August 17, 2009  
- **COSPAR ID**: 2009-043A  
- **Operator**: United States Air Force  
- **Manufacturer**: Lockheed Martin  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Delta II rocket  
- **Launch Site**: Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17  
- **Orbit**: Medium Earth orbit  
- **Aliases**: Navstar 64  
- **Satellite Catalog Number**: 35752  

## FAQs  
### Q: What is USA-206 used for?  
A: USA-206 is a GPS satellite that provides global positioning, navigation, and timing data for military and civilian users worldwide.  

### Q: Who built USA-206?  
A: It was manufactured by Lockheed Martin as part of the GPS IIR-M series of satellites.  

### Q: When was USA-206 launched?  
A: It was launched on August 17, 2009, aboard a Delta II rocket from Cape Canaveral.  

## Why It Matters  
USA-206 plays a vital role in the NAVSTAR GPS constellation, enabling precise positioning, navigation, and timing services essential for modern infrastructure, transportation, and military operations. As part of the GPS IIR-M series, it features improved signal accuracy and anti-jamming capabilities, enhancing reliability for users worldwide. Its deployment ensures continuity of GPS services, supporting everything from smartphone navigation to critical defense systems.  

## Notable For  
- **Improved Signal Accuracy**: Part of the GPS IIR-M series, which enhanced civilian and military signal performance.  
- **Anti-Jamming Capabilities**: Designed to resist signal interference, improving reliability.  
- **Long Operational Lifespan**: Contributed to the sustained functionality of the GPS network.  

## Body  
### Launch and Deployment  
- Launched on **August 17, 2009**, aboard a **Delta II** rocket from **Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17**.  
- Assigned **COSPAR ID 2009-043A** and **satellite catalog number 35752**.  

### Technical Specifications  
- **Manufacturer**: Lockheed Martin  
- **Operator**: United States Air Force  
- **Orbit**: Medium Earth orbit (typical for GPS satellites)  
- **Series**: GPS IIR-M (modernized version of the GPS IIR series)  

### Role in GPS Constellation  
- Provides **L1C** and **L2C** signals for civilian use and **M-code** for military applications.  
- Enhances **signal strength** and **resistance to jamming** compared to earlier models.  

### Legacy  
- Contributed to the **modernization** of the GPS network, ensuring continued global coverage and accuracy.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report