Sat, Feb 22, 2014
Satellite Active A Day After Launch From Florida
A new Global Positioning System (GPS) IIF satellite manufactured by Boeing has sent initial signals from space after its launch Feb. 20, joining four other advanced versions of the spacecraft that are improving position, navigation and timing information for millions of civilian and military users around the world.
GPS IIF-5 launched at 8:59 p.m. Eastern time from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, FL, aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta IV rocket, and Boeing received the satellite's first signals approximately three and a half hours later. It will undergo on-orbit activation, checkout and testing before joining the active GPS constellation.
The GPS IIFs are providing greater navigational accuracy through improvements in atomic clock technology, a more resilient signal for commercial aviation and safety-of-life applications, and a longer design life of 12 years.
"Boeing launched the first GPS satellite in 1978 and has played an integral role in the ongoing enhancement of this vital technology ever since," said Craig Cooning, Boeing vice president and general manager of Space & Intelligence Systems. "The 42 satellites that we have deployed into service to date for the U.S. Air Force have accumulated more than 500 years of on-orbit operations, and the current system continues to meet or exceed all mission requirements."
This was the first GPS IIF satellite launch of 2014. The sixth GPS IIF is at the Florida launch site undergoing preparations for a second quarter launch. The remaining six are at the Boeing Satellite Development Center in El Segundo, CA.
(Image provided by Boeing)
More News
Airport Marking Aids Markings used on runway and taxiway surfaces to identify a specific runway, a runway threshold, a centerline, a hold line, etc. A runway should be marked in ac>[...]
"It is extremely difficult, if not impossible, for manned aircraft to see a drone while conducting crop-enhancing and other aerial applications at low altitudes and high speeds. We>[...]
Aero Linx: The Skyhawk Association The Skyhawk Association is a non-profit organization founded by former Skyhawk Pilots which is open to anyone with an affinity for the A-4 Skyhaw>[...]
“The T-54A benefits from an active Beechcraft King Air assembly line in Wichita, Kansas, where all required METS avionics and interior modifications are installed on the line>[...]
Aero Linx: Aerostar Owners Association The Association offers the Aerostar Owner a unique opportunity to tap an invaluable source of information concerning the care and feeding of >[...]