2026-244Latest orbital launch: Falcon 9 · Starlink Group 15-16 · Oct 27, 2026 · VandenbergLaunch record →
sci-techmaventhe history of spaceflight, in data
  1. Home
  2. Spacecraft
  3. GPS SVN 16
// navigation · 1989

GPS SVN 16

American GPS navigation satellite. GPS SVN 16 was launched on August 18, 1989 aboard a Delta 6925 from Cape Canaveral & Kennedy. Latest status in GCAT: in orbit.

COSPAR 1989-064ANORAD 20185United States

Identity

Name in GCAT
GPS II-3
Common name
GPS SVN 16
Payload designation
GPS SVN 16
Other names
USA 42,Navstar 15
International designator
1989-064A
NORAD catalog number
20185
GCAT identifier
S20185
UN registration
ST/SG/SER.E/212

Mission

Mission type
Navigation
Use
Defense
Program
GPS II
Country
United States
Builder
Rockwell/Seal Beach
Platform (bus)
GPS II

Launch

Date
August 18, 1989 · 05:57 UTC
Launch record
1989-064Success
Spaceport
Cape Canaveral & Kennedy · pad LC17A

Orbit and fate

Orbit class (GCAT)
MEO
Perigee
20,113 km
Apogee
20,246 km
Inclination
54.92°
Status
In orbit
Last known active
Oct 13, 2000
End of operations
Oct 13, 2000

Size

Mass
776 kg
Dry mass
776 kg
Total mass with attached objects
1,667 kg
Length
2.4 m
Diameter
1.80 m
Span
5.3 m

Source: GCAT payload, deep-space and lander catalogs, Jonathan C. McDowell (CC BY 4.0); Wikidata Q7865693 (CC0).