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GPS BIIR-8 (PRN 16)

GPS Navigation Satellite (Block IIR) · US Space Force

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GPS BIIR-8 (PRN 16), launched in 2003, was among the final original Block IIR satellites deployed before Boeing's upgraded IIR-M variant took over new GPS launches. Its PRN 16 code identifies it uniquely among the GPS constellation's signals, a digital fingerprint receivers use to lock onto this specific satellite among dozens transmitting simultaneously on the same L1 and L2 frequencies from six different orbital planes 12,550 miles above Earth.

Its orbit

Orbit
Medium Earth Orbita high vantage point, ideal for navigation
Altitude
12,297–12,794 mi (19,790–20,591 km)
Inclination
54.9°
One orbit
12.0 hours2.0 orbits a day
NORAD ID
27663
Int’l designator
2003-005A
Launched
2003

Orbital elements from CelesTrak, as of 22 Sep 2026.

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