Moog Inc. (NYSE: MOG.A and MOG.B) Space and Defense Group played a critical role in the successful launch of the Boeing-built GPS IIF-8 satellite atop a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket today. GPS IIF-8 is the eighth of twelve planned Global Positioning System (GPS) Block IIF satellites to support the space-based, worldwide navigation system. The system provides users with highly accurate, three-dimensional position, velocity and timing information 24 hours per day in all weather conditions.
The ULA Atlas V 401 rocket that carried GPS IIF-8 into space includes several items supported by Moog. Mission-critical hardware included the Centaur Electromechanical (EM) Thrust Vector Control (TVC) System that guides the second stage of the rocket into position to inject the satellite into Medium Earth Orbit (MEO). In addition, Moog provided the Inlet Valves and Propellant Utilization (PU) Motor for the main Oxidizer Control Valve on the Aerojet Rocketdyne RL10 upper stage engine and the Control Valves for the Aerojet Rocketdyne Roll Control Module (RCM) Thrusters.
The Boeing GPS IIF-8 satellite is also equipped with Moog hardware. Thruster valves, isolation valves and service valves contribute to the satellite’s Attitude Control System (ACS). High reliability of the ACS is crucial to ensure correct positioning of the spacecraft for optimal information transmittal to and from the Earth.
The Air Force established GPS in 1974, with the first launch occurring in 1978; 68 GPS satellites have been launched in total. Service from the satellites is provided to nearly one billion military and civilian users around the world. Four more GPS Block IIF satellites are planned to launch over the next two years.
Moog Inc. is a worldwide designer, manufacturer, and integrator of precision control components and systems. Moog’s high-performance systems control military and commercial aircraft, satellites and space vehicles, launch vehicles, missiles, automated industrial machinery, wind energy, marine and medical equipment. Additional information about the company can be found at http://www.moog.com/. Additional information about Moog’s Space Sector can be found at http://www.moog.com/markets/space/.
