# USA-87

> American navigation satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q7865711](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7865711)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA-87)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/usa-87

## Summary  
USA‑87 is an American navigation satellite that forms part of the United States’ NAVSTAR Global Positioning System (GPS).  Launched on 18 December 1992 aboard a Delta II rocket from Cape Canaveral’s Space Launch Complex 17, it is operated by the United States Air Force and identified by the Space Catalog Number 22275.

## Key Facts  
- **Space Catalog Number (SCN):** 22275【source】  
- **COSPAR ID:** 1992‑089A【source】  
- **Launch date:** 18 December 1992【source】  
- **Launch vehicle:** Delta II rocket【source】  
- **Launch site:** Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17【source】  
- **Manufacturer:** Rockwell International【source】  
- **Operator:** United States Air Force【source】  
- **Country of origin:** United States【source】  
- **Instance of:** GPS satellite (NAVSTAR)【source】  
- **Alias:** Navstar 29【source】

## FAQs  
### Q: What is USA‑87?  
**A:** USA‑87 is a GPS navigation satellite, also known as Navstar 29, that provides positioning, navigation, and timing services as part of the United States’ NAVSTAR GPS constellation.  

### Q: When and how was USA‑87 launched?  
**A:** It was launched on 18 December 1992 aboard a Delta II launch vehicle from Cape Canaveral’s Space Launch Complex 17.  

### Q: Who operates USA‑87?  
**A:** The satellite is operated by the United States Air Force, which manages its role within the GPS network.  

### Q: Who built USA‑87?  
**A:** USA‑87 was manufactured by Rockwell International, a major aerospace contractor for U.S. defense satellites.  

### Q: What is the purpose of USA‑87 within the GPS system?  
**A:** It transmits precise timing and positioning signals that enable civilian and military users worldwide to determine their location with high accuracy.

## Why It Matters  
USA‑87 is a critical component of the NAVSTAR Global Positioning System, the world’s first operational satellite navigation network that underpins modern navigation, telecommunications, and timing infrastructure. By delivering reliable, high‑precision location data, USA‑87 supports a vast array of civilian applications—from smartphone navigation and fleet tracking to disaster response—and military operations that require exact positioning and synchronized timing. Its launch in 1992 helped expand the GPS constellation, improving signal redundancy and global coverage. The satellite’s continued operation demonstrates the durability of early‑generation GPS hardware and the effectiveness of the United States Air Force’s satellite management. As GPS remains integral to global commerce, transportation, and security, each satellite like USA‑87 contributes directly to the reliability and resilience of this indispensable service.

## Notable For  
- Part of the original NAVSTAR GPS constellation that established global satellite navigation.  
- Launched on a Delta II, one of the most reliable expendable launch systems of its era.  
- Built by Rockwell International, highlighting U.S. aerospace manufacturing expertise.  
- Operated by the United States Air Force, reflecting the military’s role in maintaining global positioning services.  
- Identified by the unique Space Catalog Number 22275, enabling precise tracking and cataloging.

## Body  

### Overview  
- USA‑87 is a GPS satellite (instance of GPS satellite).  
- Also known as Navstar 29.  
- Designed to broadcast navigation signals for civilian and military users.  

### Launch Details  
- **Date:** 18 December 1992.  
- **Vehicle:** Delta II rocket (retired expendable launch system).  
- **Site:** Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17.  
- **Significant event:** Rocket launch recorded at the launch site on the launch date.  

### Technical Specifications  
- **Space Catalog Number:** 22275.  
- **COSPAR ID:** 1992‑089A.  
- **Manufacturer:** Rockwell International.  
- **Operator:** United States Air Force.  
- **Country:** United States.  

### Operational Role  
- Provides continuous global positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) signals.  
- Contributes to the redundancy and coverage of the GPS constellation.  
- Supports both civilian applications (e.g., navigation apps, surveying) and military missions.  

### Legacy and Impact  
- As an early‑generation GPS satellite, USA‑87 helped validate the feasibility of a worldwide satellite navigation system.  
- Its successful deployment reinforced confidence in the Delta II launch platform and Rockwell’s satellite design capabilities.  
- Continues to be tracked and referenced in satellite catalogs, evidencing the long‑term utility of the GPS architecture.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report