GPS 2F-1 on Delta IV from Cape Canaveral

[Star Voyager]

So your just copying and pasting from the page? It was that simple??!!???

EDIT: Like this?

http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/shuttle/countdown/video/chan11large.jpg

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

So your just copying and pasting from the page? It was that simple??!!???

EDIT: Like this?

http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/shuttle/countdown/video/chan11large.jpg

It would appear that you have figured it out! :lol:

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

Spaceflight Now: "New GPS signal for civil users being put to the test".

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

50th Space Wing gains control of new GPS satellite.

The 50th Space Wing's 2nd Space Operations Squadron here accepted command and control of the first Global Positioning System Block IIF satellite at 9 a.m. today.

The 45th Space Wing at Patrick AFB successfully launched a United Launch Alliance Delta IV-Medium rocket carrying the first Boeing-built Global Positioning System IIF satellite at 11 p.m. EDT from Space Launch Complex 37 May 27.

The Global Positioning Systems Wing, a joint service effort directed by the U.S. Air Force and managed at the Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., remained in control of the satellite during the test period before the hand-off today to 2 SOPS.

"I'm extremely honored to accept command and control of the first GPS Block IIF satellite," said Lt. Col. Jennifer Grant, 2 SOPS commander. "We are excited to have the privilege of being the first to control the next generation in global positioning satellite technology as we continue to provide our warfighters and civil users the most accurate position, navigation and timing signal available. Fielding newer and more capable systems enables GPS to remain the world's gold standard."

The next-generation GPS IIF satellites will provide improved accuracy through advanced atomic clocks, a longer design life than legacy GPS satellites, and a new L5 civil signal (third civil signal) that will benefit civil aviation and other safety-of-life applications. Even though the L5 civil signal meets all requirements, per plan it will stay in development status broadcasting test data until initial operational capability is reached. A message regarding this caveat will be sent out to GPS users worldwide.

It will also continue to deploy the modernized capabilities that began with the eight modernized GPS IIR satellites, including a more robust military signal. GPS IIF satellites will provide improved signals that will enhance the precise global positioning, navigation and timing services supporting both the warfighter and the growing civilian needs of our global economy. The GPS constellation remains the most robust and capable system in the history of space.

The members of 2 SOPS operate the largest Department of Defense spacecraft constellation via the Master Control Station and a worldwide network of monitor stations and ground antennas. The MCS also houses a customer interface, the GPS Operations Center, which is a 24/7 user-focused center of excellence supporting a wide variety of military, civil and commercial users and applications.

Source.

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1st Boeing-built GPS IIF Satellite Enters Service with US Air Force.

Boeing today announced that the first of 12 Global Positioning System (GPS) IIF satellites the company is building for the U.S. Air Force has entered service. GPS IIF-1 is the newest member of the active 31-satellite GPS constellation, which provides accurate navigation, positioning and timing information to more than 1 billion military and civilian users around the world.

GPS IIF satellites offer new and enhanced capabilities, including a jam-resistant military signal, greater accuracy through improved atomic clock technology, and a protected civilian L5 signal to aid commercial aviation and safety-of-life applications. According to Air Force officials, on-orbit testing shows that the L5 signal meets all requirements. Based on program plans, the signal will remain in development status, broadcasting test data until initial operational capability is declared. The Air Force will send a message about this to GPS users worldwide.

"Putting the first next-generation GPS IIF satellite into operation is a significant step forward for the Air Force and the millions of warfighters and civilians who depend on this vital system," said Air Force Col. Bernard Gruber, commander, GPS Wing. "Now that IIF-1 is operational, military and commercial receivers around the world can begin using the satellite's improved signals to more accurately determine their position."

Launched on May 27, 2010, GPS IIF-1 has undergone three months of comprehensive on-orbit testing to validate its operations with the ground control system, other GPS satellites and a wide range of military and commercial GPS ground receivers. The satellite’s testing regimen was longer and more rigorous than usual because it is the first of the series.

A Boeing space vehicle operations team based in Colorado helped the GPS Wing monitor and evaluate test results as GPS IIF-1 went through many of its first on-orbit operations. With testing complete, the GPS Wing has officially transferred Satellite Control Authority to the Air Force 50th Space Wing and the 2nd Space Operations Squadron, which will operate the satellite on its mission.

"Boeing has built 40 of the 61 GPS satellites launched since 1978, and GPS IIF is a great addition to that long legacy," said Craig Cooning, vice president and general manager of Boeing Space & Intelligence Systems. "These satellites make a difference by adding new levels of power and precision to GPS services. The IIF series will be the backbone of the constellation for the next 12 to 15 years."

Boeing is producing the next 11 GPS IIF satellites using an innovative pulse-line manufacturing approach adapted from the company's aircraft and helicopter assembly lines. The line enables faster, more efficient development of several satellites at once. The company also developed the current GPS ground control infrastructure, called the Operational Control Segment (OCS), which has supported an expanding set of GPS services and capabilities since 2007.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $34 billion business with 68,000 employees worldwide.

Source.

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

Florida Today's "The Flame Trench" Blog: "GPS, weather satellites launched this year ready for service".

Two satellites launched this year from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station have successfully completed on-orbit testing and are ready for service.

The first in a $1.6 billion program of new Global Positioning Systems satellites, known as Block IIF, launched late May 27 on its fourth attempt atop a United Launch Alliance Delta IV rocket.

The Air Force today announced that the spacecraft called GPS IIF-01 became operational Aug. 26., flying 11,000 nautical miles above Earth in the constellation's "B-2" slot.

The satellite joined 30 others in orbit, several of which are aging an nearing the end of their operational lives. The constellation uses a minimum of 24 satellites to provide precision location, navigation and time information for military and civilian users.