# USA-96

> American navigation satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q7865717](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7865717)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA-96)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/usa-96

## Summary
USA-96 is an American navigation satellite and part of the NAVSTAR Global Positioning System (GPS). Launched on October 26, 1993, it was operated by the United States Air Force and played a critical role in providing global positioning data. The satellite was manufactured by Rockwell International and deployed aboard a Delta II rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: October 26, 1993
- **Operator**: United States Air Force
- **Manufacturer**: Rockwell International
- **Launch Vehicle**: Delta II
- **COSPAR ID**: 1993-068A
- **SCN**: 22877
- **Aliases**: Navstar 2A-14
- **Country**: United States

## FAQs
### Q: When was USA-96 launched?
A: USA-96 was launched on October 26, 1993, from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17 aboard a Delta II rocket.

### Q: What is the primary function of USA-96?
A: USA-96 is a GPS satellite designed to provide navigation data as part of the NAVSTAR Global Positioning System, supporting military and civilian applications.

### Q: Who manufactured USA-96?
A: The satellite was manufactured by Rockwell International.

## Why It Matters
USA-96 is significant as part of the U.S. GPS constellation, which revolutionized global navigation, timing, and mapping technologies. As a second-generation GPS satellite (Navstar 2A-14), it contributed to enhancing the accuracy and reliability of the GPS system, critical for military operations, aviation, maritime navigation, and civilian use. Its launch in 1993 marked a key milestone in expanding the GPS network, which has become indispensable to modern infrastructure and daily life. The satellite’s deployment via the Delta II rocket also underscores the role of reliable launch systems in maintaining and upgrading satellite-based navigation services.

## Notable For
- **Part of the Navstar 2A series**: A second-generation GPS satellite designed to improve system performance.
- **Delta II launch vehicle**: Utilized a rocket known for its reliability in deploying GPS and other scientific satellites.
- **Long-term operational role**: Contributed to the sustained availability of GPS services, essential for both military and civilian applications.

## Body
### Launch Details
- **Date**: October 26, 1993
- **Launch Site**: Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17
- **Rocket**: Delta II, a retired expendable launch system with a proven track record for satellite deployments.

### Technical Specifications
- **Manufacturer**: Rockwell International, a major aerospace contractor at the time.
- **Identifiers**:
  - **COSPAR ID**: 1993-068A (international designation for satellite tracking)
  - **SCN**: 22877 (Satellite Catalog Number)
  - **Aliases**: Navstar 2A-14, reflecting its classification within the GPS satellite series.

### Mission Context
- **Operator**: United States Air Force, overseeing GPS as a strategic asset.
- **System Role**: Part of the NAVSTAR network, providing 24/7 global positioning coverage.
- **Legacy**: Supported the transition to full operational capability for GPS, declared in 1995.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report