# USA-66

> American navigation satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q7865703](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7865703)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA-66)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/usa-66

## Summary
USA-66 is an American navigation satellite that serves as part of the NAVSTAR Global Positioning System (GPS), launched by the United States Air Force on November 26, 1990, from Cape Canaveral using a Delta II rocket.

## Key Facts
- Instance of: GPS satellite (NAVSTAR Global Positioning System satellite)
- Country: United States
- Operator: United States Air Force
- Launch date: 1990-11-26
- Launch site: Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17
- Manufacturer: Rockwell International
- Launch vehicle: Delta II
- COSPAR ID: 1990-103A
- Also known as: Navstar 22

### Q: What is USA-66?
A: USA-66 is an American navigation satellite that serves as part of the NAVSTAR Global Positioning System (GPS), launched in 1990.

### Q: When was USA-66 launched?
A: USA-66 was launched on November 26, 1990, from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17.

### Q: What is its purpose?
A: USA-66 serves as a navigation satellite providing positioning and timing services as part of the Global Positioning System.

### Q: Who operates USA-66?
A: The United States Air Force operates USA-66 as part of the GPS constellation.

## Why It Matters
USA-66 is part of the Global Positioning System (GPS), which provides essential navigation and positioning services worldwide. The GPS system enables accurate location and timing information for military and civilian applications, including navigation, mapping, and timing services. As one of the satellites in the GPS constellation, USA-66 contributes to the system's overall accuracy and coverage, supporting everything from military operations and emergency services to civilian applications like GPS-enabled devices and transportation systems.

## Notable For
- Part of the GPS constellation providing navigation services
- Launched in 1990 as part of the Delta II rocket program
- Built by Rockwell International
- Operated by the United States Air Force
- Has the COSPAR designation 1990-103A

## Body
### Technical Specifications
USA-66 is a GPS satellite manufactured by Rockwell International and launched using a Delta II expendable launch system. The satellite was deployed from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17 on November 26, 1990. It operates under the control of the United States Air Force and carries the COSPAR ID 1990-103A.

### Operational Details
As a member of the GPS constellation, USA-66 provides navigation signals for the Global Positioning System. The satellite was designed to operate in a medium Earth orbit and uses atomic clocks to maintain precise timing. The Delta II launch vehicle provided the necessary thrust to place the satellite into its operational orbit.

### Historical Context
USA-66 represents one of the early satellites in the GPS system, which has evolved significantly since its initial deployment in the 1970s and 1980s. The Delta II launch vehicle was a common choice for GPS satellite deployments during this period, providing reliable access to space for the U.S. Air Force's navigation satellite program.

### Technical Characteristics
The satellite utilizes advanced navigation technology to broadcast precise positioning data. Its design includes atomic clocks and signal processing systems to maintain accuracy within meters. The Rockwell International manufacturing partnership ensured the satellite met the rigorous standards required for military and civilian navigation applications.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report