# USA-256

> American navigation satellite used for GPS

**Wikidata**: [Q17486656](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q17486656)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA-256)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/usa-256

## Summary  
USA-256 is an American navigation satellite used for the NAVSTAR Global Positioning System (GPS). Launched in 2014, it is part of the GPS satellite fleet operated by the United States Air Force. The satellite was deployed using an Atlas V 401 rocket from Cape Canaveral.

## Key Facts  
- **Launch Date**: August 2, 2014 ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  
- **Operator**: United States Air Force ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q328))  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Atlas V 401 ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  
- **Launch Site**: Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 41 ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  
- **COSPAR ID**: 2014-045A  
- **Alias**: Navstar 71  
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN)**: 40105 ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  
- **Instance of**: GPS satellite ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q328))  
- **Country**: United States ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q328))  

## FAQs  
### Q: What is the purpose of USA-256?  
A: USA-256 is a GPS satellite designed to provide global navigation and timing services as part of the NAVSTAR GPS system operated by the U.S. Air Force.  

### Q: When was USA-256 launched?  
A: It was launched on August 2, 2014, from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 41 aboard an Atlas V 401 rocket.  

### Q: Who operates USA-256?  
A: The satellite is operated by the United States Air Force, which manages the GPS constellation.  

## Why It Matters  
USA-256 plays a critical role in the GPS network, enabling precise positioning, navigation, and timing services worldwide. These capabilities are essential for civilian applications like smartphones and aviation, as well as military operations. The satellite's launch in 2014 helped maintain and modernize the GPS infrastructure, ensuring reliability for millions of users. Its deployment via the Atlas V 401 also demonstrated the continued use of proven launch vehicles for critical missions.  

## Notable For  
- Part of the NAVSTAR GPS system, a cornerstone of global navigation technology.  
- Launched aboard an Atlas V 401, a reliable United Launch Alliance vehicle.  
- Contributes to the U.S. Air Force's mission of maintaining GPS accuracy and availability.  

## Body  
### Launch Details  
- **Date**: August 2, 2014  
- **Vehicle**: Atlas V 401  
- **Site**: Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 41  

### Technical Specifications  
- **Catalog Number**: 40105  
- **COSPAR ID**: 2014-045A  
- **Alias**: Navstar 71  

### Operational Context  
- **Operator**: United States Air Force  
- **Function**: GPS navigation and timing  
- **Constellation**: NAVSTAR GPS  

### References  
- Wikidata ([Q6272367](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  
- Wikimedia Commons image: [Navstar-2F.jpg](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Navstar-2F.jpg)

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report