Can You Feel The Increased Accuracy Yet? 

Officials from the Air Space command's Space and Missile Systems Center's Global Positioning Systems Wing announced the first GPS IIF satellite (SVN-62) arrived on-station, 1 August.

This indicates the satellite is in its designated orbital position and ready for its final phase of on-orbit checkout and testing, to be completed before September. Then the satellite will be cleared to serve navigation and timing users as part of the operational GPS constellation.

Next-generation GPS IIF satellites will provide improved accuracy through advanced atomic clocks, a longer design life than legacy GPS satellites, and a new operational L5 civil signal (third civil signal) that benefits civil aviation and other safety-of-life applications.

It will also continue to deploy the modernized capabilities that began with the eight modernized GPS IIR satellites, including a more robust military signal. GPS IIF satellites will provide improved signals that will enhance the precise global positioning, navigation and timing services supporting both the warfighter and the growing civilian needs of our global economy. The GPS constellation remains the most robust and capable system in the history of space.

Air Force Space Command and Space and Missile Systems Center are charged with developing, acquiring, fielding and sustaining the world's best space and missile capabilities for our warfighting forces and for the nation.

The Air Force is committed to providing uninterrupted GPS service, at or above our performance commitments for decades to come.

FMI: www.afspc.af.mil