# USA-54

> American navigation satellite used for GPS

**Wikidata**: [Q7865699](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7865699)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA-54)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/usa-54

## Summary  
USA‑54 is an American NAVSTAR GPS navigation satellite—also known as Navstar 19—launched on 26 March 1990. It was built by Rockwell International, operated by the United States Air Force, and placed into orbit by a Delta II rocket from Cape Canaveral’s Space Launch Complex 17.

## Key Facts  
- **Satellite designation:** USA‑54 (Navstar 19), SCN 20533.  
- **Mission type:** GPS (NAVSTAR Global Positioning System) navigation satellite.  
- **Operator:** United States Air Force.  
- **Manufacturer:** Rockwell International.  
- **Launch vehicle:** Delta II rocket.  
- **Launch date:** 26 March 1990.  
- **Launch site:** Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17.  
- **COSPAR ID:** 1990‑025A.  
- **Country of origin:** United States.  

## FAQs  
### Q: What is USA‑54?  
A: USA‑54 is a United States‑operated GPS navigation satellite, part of the NAVSTAR constellation, launched in 1990 to provide positioning, navigation, and timing services.  

### Q: When and how was USA‑54 launched?  
A: USA‑54 was launched on 26 March 1990 aboard a Delta II launch vehicle from Cape Canaveral’s Space Launch Complex 17.  

### Q: Who built and operates USA‑54?  
A: The satellite was manufactured by Rockwell International and is operated by the United States Air Force.  

### Q: What is the alternate name for USA‑54?  
A: USA‑54 is also known as Navstar 19.  

### Q: What is the COSPAR identifier for USA‑54?  
A: The COSPAR ID for USA‑54 is 1990‑025A.  

## Why It Matters  
USA‑54 is a critical component of the NAVSTAR Global Positioning System, the world’s first fully operational satellite navigation network. By delivering precise location and timing data, it underpins civilian and military applications ranging from navigation in smartphones and aircraft to synchronization of power grids and financial transactions. As part of the early generation of GPS satellites, USA‑54 helped establish the reliability and global coverage that made GPS the de‑facto standard for positioning worldwide. Its successful deployment demonstrated the effectiveness of the Delta II launch system and the engineering capabilities of Rockwell International, reinforcing the United States’ leadership in space‑based navigation technology.

## Notable For  
- **Early GPS generation:** One of the first block II NAVSTAR satellites, contributing to the initial operational GPS constellation.  
- **Delta II launch:** Utilized the Delta II, a workhorse launch vehicle that retired after a distinguished service record.  
- **Dual designation:** Known both as USA‑54 and Navstar 19, reflecting its military and civilian identifiers.  
- **Manufacturing pedigree:** Built by Rockwell International, a key aerospace contractor for early GPS hardware.  
- **Strategic role:** Operated by the U.S. Air Force, providing essential navigation services for both defense and civilian sectors.  

## Body  

### Overview  
USA‑54 (Navstar 19) is a satellite in the United States’ NAVSTAR Global Positioning System (GPS). It belongs to the class of GPS satellites designed to transmit precise timing signals that enable users on Earth to calculate their exact position.

### Launch Details  
- **Date:** 26 March 1990.  
- **Vehicle:** Delta II expendable launch system.  
- **Site:** Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17 (SLC‑17).  
- **Event:** Rocket launch recorded as a significant event on the launch date.  

### Technical Specifications  
- **SCN (Spacecraft Number):** 20533.  
- **COSPAR ID:** 1990‑025A, uniquely identifying the launch and orbit.  
- **Manufacturer:** Rockwell International, responsible for the satellite’s design and construction.  
- **Operator:** United States Air Force, overseeing its mission and control.  

### Operational Role  
USA‑54 transmits L‑band navigation signals that are received by GPS receivers worldwide. These signals provide:
- **Positioning:** Latitude, longitude, and altitude data.  
- **Timing:** Precise clock synchronization for civilian and military applications.  
- **Navigation:** Real‑time route guidance for aviation, maritime, and ground transport.  

### Legacy and Impact  
As part of the early GPS constellation, USA‑54 helped validate the concept of a global, satellite‑based navigation system. Its successful operation paved the way for subsequent GPS upgrades, expanded civilian use, and reinforced the United States’ strategic advantage in space‑based positioning services.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report