# USA-85

> American navigation satellite used for GPS

**Wikidata**: [Q7865710](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7865710)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA-85)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/usa-85

## Summary
USA-85 is an American navigation satellite used for the Global Positioning System (GPS). Also known by the designations GPS II-16 and Navstar 28, it was launched on November 22, 1992. The satellite was manufactured by Rockwell International and operated by the United States Air Force.

## Key Facts
- **Classification:** USA-85 is a GPS satellite (Global Positioning System satellite).
- **Alternate Names:** The satellite is also identified as GPS II-16 and Navstar 28.
- **Launch Date:** It was launched on November 22, 1992.
- **Launch Site:** The launch took place at Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17.
- **Launch Vehicle:** It was deployed using a Delta II rocket.
- **Manufacturer:** The satellite was built by Rockwell International.
- **Operator:** The entity responsible for operations is the United States Air Force.
- **Country:** The satellite belongs to the United States.
- **COSPAR ID:** Its international identifier is 1992-079A.
- **Satellite Catalog Number:** It is tracked under number 22231.

## FAQs
### Q: What was the primary function of USA-85?
A: USA-85 functioned as a navigation satellite utilized by the NAVSTAR Global Positioning System (GPS). It was designed to provide positioning, navigation, and timing services.

### Q: What rocket was used to launch USA-85?
A: USA-85 was launched aboard a Delta II rocket. This expendable launch system was a common vehicle for deploying GPS satellites during that era.

### Q: Who built and operated USA-85?
A: The satellite was manufactured by Rockwell International. It was operated by the United States Air Force.

## Why It Matters
USA-85 serves as a specific unit within the broader NAVSTAR Global Positioning System, a critical infrastructure project that revolutionized global navigation and timing. Launched in the early 1990s, it represents a period of significant expansion for the GPS constellation, which was moving towards full operational capability during this decade. As a satellite manufactured by Rockwell International—a prime contractor for the program—it contributes to the network required to provide continuous global coverage. By fulfilling its role as a navigation satellite operated by the U.S. Air Force, USA-85 helped support the transition of GPS from a primarily military tool to a utility available for civilian applications worldwide, impacting industries ranging from transportation to telecommunications.

## Notable For
- **Navstar Series:** Being identified as "Navstar 28," linking it to the specific naming convention of the GPS program.
- **Delta II Legacy:** Utilizing the Delta II launch vehicle, a retired but historically significant expendable launch system.
- **Specific Orbital Tracking:** Possessing a unique Satellite Catalog Number (22231) and COSPAR ID (1992-079A) for precise identification in space tracking databases.
- **Rockwell Manufacturing:** Being part of the hardware produced by Rockwell International, a major aerospace contractor.

## Body
### Identity and Designation
USA-85 is an American artificial satellite primarily designated for navigation purposes within the Global Positioning System (GPS). It is classified specifically as a GPS satellite. In various records and databases, it is referenced by several aliases, including GPS II-16 and Navstar 28. Its Wolfram Language entity code is `Entity["Satellite", "22231"]`.

### Launch and Deployment
The satellite was successfully launched on November 22, 1992. The launch event was executed from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17. This facility served as the start point for the mission. The vehicle responsible for placing USA-85 into orbit was the Delta II, a retired expendable launch system that was frequently used for GPS deployments.

### Technical Specifications and Ownership
USA-85 was constructed by the manufacturer Rockwell International. Upon deployment, the satellite came under the operational control of the United States Air Force. As a U.S. asset, its country of origin and registry is the United States.

### Record Keeping
The satellite is tracked and cataloged by international and national agencies. It holds the COSPAR ID 1992-079A and the Satellite Catalog Number (SCN) 22231. These identifiers allow for the unique tracking of the object in Earth orbit.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report