News

Successful Launch of GPS IIF-2, Signals Received

07/17/2011

 

The GPS IIF-2 launched sucessfully from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The first on-orbit signals are now being received.  Controllers confirmed initial contact with the spacecraft at a ground station on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean.  GPS signals from the spacecraft payload will be turned on for test purposes.

GPS satellites serve and protect our warfighters by providing navigational assistance for U.S. military operations on land, at sea, and in the air.  AASC continues to support Boeing on this GPS program with the fabrication of composite bus structures.  This satellite delivery continues Boeing's history of support to the Air Force.  GPS IIF contributes to building a robust GPS constellation by providing increased accuracy through improved atomic clock technology; a more jam-resistant military signal; and a more powerful and secure civilian signal to help commercial airline operations and search-and-rescue missions.  Civilian users use and depend on GPS for highly accurate time, location, and velocity information.  GPS IIF-2 is one of the next generation GPS satellites, incorporating various improvements to provide greater accuracy, increased signals, and enhanced performance for users.