# USA-88

> American navigation satellite used for GPS

**Wikidata**: [Q7865713](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7865713)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA-88)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/usa-88

Here’s the structured knowledge entry for **USA-88**:

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## Summary  
USA-88 is an American navigation satellite launched in 1993 as part of the NAVSTAR Global Positioning System (GPS). It was operated by the United States Air Force and manufactured by Rockwell International. The satellite was launched aboard a Delta II rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17.

## Key Facts  
- **Launch Date**: February 3, 1993 ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  
- **COSPAR ID**: 1993-007A ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q328))  
- **Operator**: United States Air Force ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q328))  
- **Manufacturer**: Rockwell International ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q328))  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Delta II ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN)**: 22446 ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q328))  
- **Aliases**: Navstar 2A-09, Navstar 30 ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q328))  
- **Launch Site**: Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17 ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  

## FAQs  
### Q: What was the purpose of USA-88?  
A: USA-88 was a GPS satellite designed to provide global navigation and positioning services as part of the NAVSTAR system operated by the U.S. Air Force.  

### Q: Who manufactured USA-88?  
A: The satellite was built by Rockwell International, a major American aerospace and defense contractor.  

### Q: What rocket launched USA-88?  
A: It was launched aboard a Delta II, a retired expendable launch system developed by McDonnell Douglas (later Boeing).  

## Why It Matters  
USA-88 played a critical role in expanding the GPS constellation, enhancing global navigation accuracy for military and civilian users. Its launch contributed to the modernization of satellite-based positioning, which underpins modern transportation, communication, and logistics. GPS satellites like USA-88 enable everything from smartphone navigation to precision timing for financial networks. The success of such missions solidified the U.S. as a leader in space-based navigation technology.  

## Notable For  
- Part of the NAVSTAR GPS Block IIA series, known for improved reliability and operational lifespan.  
- Launched during a pivotal era of GPS expansion in the early 1990s.  
- One of many satellites that established GPS as a global standard for navigation.  

## Body  
### Launch and Deployment  
- **Launch Date**: February 3, 1993  
- **Launch Site**: Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Delta II (a workhorse rocket for GPS satellite deployments)  

### Technical Specifications  
- **Operator**: United States Air Force  
- **Manufacturer**: Rockwell International  
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN)**: 22446  

### Mission Context  
- Part of the GPS Block IIA series, which featured enhanced atomic clocks and longer design lifetimes compared to earlier models.  
- Contributed to the 24-satellite constellation required for full global GPS coverage.  

### Legacy  
- GPS satellites like USA-88 laid the groundwork for modern GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) applications, including aviation, maritime, and consumer navigation.  

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Let me know if you'd like any refinements!

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report