# USA-248

> American navigation satellite used for GPS

**Wikidata**: [Q15838575](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q15838575)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA-248)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/usa-248

## Summary  
USA-248 is an American navigation satellite operated by the United States Air Force as part of the Global Positioning System (GPS). Launched in 2014, it was built by Boeing and deployed using a Delta IV Medium+(4,2) rocket. The satellite enhances GPS accuracy and reliability for civilian and military applications worldwide.

## Key Facts  
- **Launch Date**: February 21, 2014 ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  
- **Operator**: United States Air Force ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q328))  
- **Manufacturer**: Boeing ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q328))  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Delta IV Medium+(4,2) ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  
- **Launch Site**: Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 37 ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  
- **COSPAR ID**: 2014-008A ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q328))  
- **Satellite Catalog Number**: 39533 ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q328))  
- **Part of**: Global Positioning System (GPS)  

## FAQs  
### Q: What is the purpose of USA-248?  
A: USA-248 is a GPS satellite designed to provide precise positioning, navigation, and timing services for military and civilian users globally.  

### Q: Who built and launched USA-248?  
A: It was manufactured by Boeing and launched by the United States Air Force using a Delta IV Medium+(4,2) rocket.  

### Q: When was USA-248 launched?  
A: It was launched on February 21, 2014, from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 37.  

## Why It Matters  
USA-248 plays a critical role in maintaining and enhancing the GPS network, which is essential for modern navigation, communication, and timing systems. GPS satellites like USA-248 support everything from smartphone maps to military operations, ensuring global accuracy and reliability. Its launch contributed to the continuity of GPS services, which are vital for transportation, emergency response, and scientific research. By improving signal strength and resistance to interference, USA-248 helps uphold the United States' leadership in satellite navigation technology.  

## Notable For  
- **Precision**: Enhances GPS accuracy for global users.  
- **Military and Civilian Use**: Supports dual-purpose applications.  
- **Advanced Launch Vehicle**: Deployed via Delta IV Medium+(4,2), a reliable rocket variant.  

## Body  
### Launch and Deployment  
- Launched on **February 21, 2014**, from **Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 37**.  
- Used a **Delta IV Medium+(4,2)** rocket for deployment ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367)).  

### Technical Specifications  
- **Manufacturer**: Boeing ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q328)).  
- **Operator**: United States Air Force ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q328)).  
- **Satellite Catalog Number**: 39533 ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q328)).  

### Role in GPS  
- Part of the **Global Positioning System**, providing navigation and timing services.  
- Contributes to the **NAVSTAR GPS constellation**, ensuring global coverage and reliability.  

### Identification  
- **COSPAR ID**: 2014-008A ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q328)).  
- **Wikidata Description**: "American navigation satellite used for GPS."

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. BabelNet