GPS IIF-2

A United Launch Alliance Delta IV rocket blasts off from Space Launch Complex-37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. (July 16, 2011) – 2:41 a.m. EDT with the Air Force’s Global Positioning System (GPS) IIF-2 payload. This launch marks the 50th successful GPS launch on a Delta vehicle. GPS IIF-2 is the second in a series of next generation GPS satellites and will join a worldwide timing and navigation system utilizing 24 satellites in six different planes, with a minimum of four satellites per plane positioned in orbit approximately 11,000 miles above the earths’ surface. The GPS IIF series provides improved accuracy and enhanced performance for GPS users.

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USAF Launches second GPS Block IIF satellite aboard Delta IV

Published July 16, 2011
By 2nd Lt. Caitlin Suttie
45th Space Wing Public Affairs

CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla -- The U.S. Air Force launched a United Launch Alliance Delta IV-Medium rocket carrying the second Global Positioning System IIF satellite at 2:41 a.m. EDT today from Space Launch Complex 37 here. "The 45th Space Wing, Space and Missile Systems Center, GPS Wing, Boeing and United Launch Alliance team are proud to launch the second installment of the GPS Block IIF," said Brig. Gen. Ed Wilson, 45th Space Wing commander, who served as Launch Decision Authority. "This mission proves yet again our ability to reliably deliver national security space systems to orbit." The commander of Air Force Space Command said he was pleased with the second launch of the next-generation GPS satellite. "This launch is an important step in the continued evolution of our GPS capability," said General William L. Shelton, AFSPC Commander. "With literally billions of civil, commercial and defense users around the globe, sustaining a vital GPS capability is extremely important to us." GPS is a space-based, world-wide navigation system providing users with highly accurate, three-dimensional position, navigation and timing information 24 hours a day in all weather conditions. Every GPS satellite has been launched from Cape Canaveral AFS. The mission of the 45th Space Wing is "One Team...Delivering Assured Space Launch, Range and Combat Capabilities for the Nation."

GPS IIF-2