# USA-262

> American navigation satellite used for GPS

**Wikidata**: [Q20670581](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q20670581)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA-262)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/usa-262

## Summary
USA-262 is a U.S. Air Force navigation satellite and part of the Global Positioning System (GPS) constellation, launched to provide global positioning and timing services. It was deployed aboard an Atlas V 401 rocket on July 15, 2015, from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 41. The satellite, also designated Navstar 74, supports military and civilian GPS applications worldwide.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: July 15, 2015
- **Launch Vehicle**: Atlas V 401
- **Operator**: United States Air Force
- **COSPAR ID**: 2015-033A
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN)**: 40730
- **Aliases**: Navstar 74
- **Country**: United States
- **Mission**: Provides GPS signals for navigation and timing

## FAQs
### Q: When was USA-262 launched?
A: USA-262 was launched on July 15, 2015, aboard an Atlas V 401 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 41.

### Q: What is the purpose of USA-262?
A: USA-262 is a GPS satellite designed to transmit radio signals for global navigation, positioning, and precise timing, supporting both military and civilian users.

### Q: Who operates USA-262?
A: The satellite is operated by the United States Air Force as part of the NAVSTAR GPS system.

## Why It Matters
USA-262 plays a critical role in maintaining the operational integrity of the GPS network, which underpins modern navigation, logistics, and telecommunications systems. As part of the GPS constellation, it ensures continuous global coverage, enabling accurate positioning and timing data essential for military operations, aviation, maritime navigation, and civilian technologies like smartphones and vehicle navigation. Its launch reinforced the reliability of the GPS system, which is a cornerstone of both U.S. national security and global infrastructure. By replacing aging satellites, USA-262 helps sustain the system’s accuracy and availability, directly impacting economic, security, and scientific activities worldwide.

## Notable For
- **GPS Constellation Member**: Part of the U.S. Air Force’s NAVSTAR system, providing 24/7 global navigation support.
- **Atlas V 401 Launch**: Deployed using a United Launch Alliance Atlas V 401 rocket, a reliable heavy-lift vehicle.
- **Dual Designation**: Identified as both USA-262 and Navstar 74, reflecting its military and technical nomenclature.
- **Cape Canaveral Launch Site**: Launched from Space Launch Complex 41, a key U.S. space infrastructure facility.

## Body
### Launch Details
- **Date**: July 15, 2015
- **Rocket**: Atlas V 401 (United Launch Alliance)
- **Launch Site**: Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 41, Florida

### Satellite Specifications
- **SCN**: 40730
- **COSPAR ID**: 2015-033A
- **Aliases**: Navstar 74
- **Operator**: U.S. Air Force
- **Country**: United States

### Mission and Operations
- **Role**: Provides L1/L2 band GPS signals for military and civilian use.
- **Constellation**: Part of the GPS Block IIF series, enhancing system accuracy and reliability.
- **Significance**: Supports critical infrastructure, including aviation, maritime, and land navigation, as well as precision timing for financial and communication networks.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report