Tenth GPS IIF satellite takes off
The tenth Global Positioning System (GPS) IIF satellite for the US Air Force was launched on a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket on 15 July 2015.
The new GPS satellites feature increased signals, accuracy and performance, and the tenth satellite will join a constellation of 24 satellites in six planes approximately 11,000 miles above the Earth's surface.
The satellite was launched aboard a ULA Atlas V Evolved Expendable 401 configuration launch vehicle with a 4m-diametre payload fairing. ULA's next scheduled launch is the air force's Delta IV WGS-7 mission, scheduled to take off from Space Launch Complex-37 at Cape Canaveral on 22 July.
Jim Sponnick, vice president, Atlas and Delta programs, ULA, said: 'Congratulations to the US Air Force and the entire mission team on today's successful launch of the 10th GPS IIF satellite! In just a few days, on July 17, the Global Positioning System will celebrate the 20th anniversary of GPS achieving fully operational status.
'ULA is very proud to play a role in delivering these satellites to orbit, with Atlas and Delta rockets having launched all 58 operational GPS satellites.'
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