LOS ANGELES AIR FORCE BASE, El Segundo, Calif. — — The U.S. Air Force and its mission partners are scheduled to launch the 10th Boeing-built Global Positioning System IIF satellite aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V launch vehicle, July 15. The launch window opens at 11:36 a.m. EDT and will remain open for 18 minutes.
The satellite will join the constellation of 31-operational satellites on-orbit providing global coverage and increased overall performance of GPS services to users around globe. The Boeing-built GPS IIF satellites 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. GPS IIF satellites provide improved navigational accuracy through advanced atomic clocks, a longer design life than previous GPS satellites, and a new operational third civil signal (L5) that benefits commercial aviation and safety-of-life applications.
“We are methodically preparing for this GPS IIF Launch on the Atlas V. The GPS IIF satellites increase GPS signal capabilities, increase user accuracy with more accurate space atomic clocks, and reduces overall constellation risk,” said Lt. Gen. Samuel Greaves, Space and Missile Systems Center commander. “Nine GPS spacecraft are now on-orbit and meeting mission requirements. Thanks to the dedication and excellence of a world class government and industry team and their commitment to mission success, we are now positioned to launch and deploy the 10th GPS IIF satellite,”
Operated by U.S. Air Force Space Command, the GPS constellation provides precise positioning, navigation and timing services worldwide seven days a week, 24-hours a day. 2015 marks the 20th anniversary of the GPS System achieving Full Operational Capability.
Air Force Space Command’s Space and Missile Systems Center, located at Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., is the U.S. Air Force’s center of acquisition excellence for acquiring and developing military space systems. Its portfolio includes the Global Positioning System, military satellite communications, defense meteorological satellites, space launch and range systems, satellite control networks, space based infrared systems and space situational awareness capabilities.
