Boeing and U.S. Air Force Complete GPS IIF Constellation

Boeing and the U.S. Air Force completed the GPS IIF constellation on Friday, with the launch of the 12th Boeing-built satellite.

Following on-orbit tests, GPS IIF-12 will be formally declared operational in approximately one month, making it the 50th GPS satellite Boeing will have delivered on orbit to the Air Force.

Since the first launch on 27 May 2010, the GPS IIFs have advanced the Air Force’s Global Positioning System modernization program by improving accuracy and security while introducing new civilian and military capabilities to a system used by millions of people around the world.

“This GPS IIF milestone builds on our 40-plus years of GPS experience and a strong government-Boeing partnership,” said Dan Hart, vice president, Boeing Government Satellite Systems. “We continue investing in GPS innovation while driving down costs, keeping GPS prepared to meet current and future demands.”

GPS IIF-12 lifted off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V launch vehicle at 08:38 EST. About three hours and twenty three minutes later the spacecraft was released into its medium Earth orbit of about 12,000 miles. Signal acquisition was confirmed at 12:09 EST. 

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