Final GPS IIF Satellite Launches into Orbit
24 Feb 2016Through the unseasonably frigid temperatures of Florida and gusty winds, the ULA Atlas V carried a GPS tracking device IIF-12 navigation satellite into space. This completed the sequence of next generation GPS IIF satellites, which are vital on a 24/7 basis to both civilian and military users.
A number of improvements were incorporated into these GPS IIF satellites over the first GPS satellite series, including their ability to offer increased signals, greater accuracy, and enhanced performance for users.
GPS tracking and navigation technology is still thought to be the ‘Gold Standard’, which offers precise navigation, timing, tracking, and positioning services worldwide to users, according to director of the GPS Directorate of Space and Missile Systems Center, Col. Steve Whitney.
Commander of the Joint Functional Component Command for Space and 14th Air Force commander, Lt. Gen. David J. Buck said the launch of the last Block IIF GPS satellites marked a huge milestone for the program and this program continues with unheard-of support from the general public and our military forces.
The mission is to maintain a powerful satellite future that has more resilient and modernized GPS capabilities. Our daily lives will be affected by the capabilities enabled by the navigation, timing signals, and position of the GPS tracking constellation.
From ATM withdrawals, international shipping and banking, precision farming, or paying at the gas pump, GPS technology enables our modern way of life. It is additionally a crucial part of providing precise combat power that supports coalition and joint warfighter goals, said Buck. He also said in order to ensure continued support for America’s warfighters in the future, they are making the constellation more resilient and robust than ever.
The GPS constellation was introduced in order to provide exact navigational and location data to the US military and is used all over the globe for both military and civil purposes. China and Russia, however, have developed their own GPS systems in the Beidou and GLONASS constellations, respectively, as well as Europe still developing its Galileo system. GPS satellites are relied upon by most of the satellite navigation receivers.
The next anticipated launch of the Atlas V is around March 10 where it will be headed for the International Space Station after it orbits a Cygnus supply vehicle.
Another GPS satellite launch is not expected to happen until next year around May.
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