Navstar 66

Description

Navstar 66, a US Air Force satellite, was launched from Cape Canaveral on 16 July 2011 at 06:41 UT by a Delta 4 rocket. The satellite is part of the GPS constellation which is comprised of 31 operational satellites.The GPS constellation satellites orbit about 11,000 nautical miles above the planet and emit continuous navigation signals that allow users to find their location in latitude, longitude and altitude and determine time. The constellation features six orbital planes with multiple satellites flying in each. Navstar 66 will occupy the Plane D, slot 2A location of the network and is expected to enter service approximately 30 days after launch. It will replace the Navstar 39 satellite.