The sixth global positioning system (GPS) IIF-6 satellite is launched on 17th May by the United Launch Alliance (ULA) from the Space Launch Complex-37.
The ULA rocket that into the space and it will place a navigation satellite into the Global Positioning System constellation for the Air Force.
The ULA’s performance is always remarkable and they it again by consecutively fifth launch this year and 82nd successful launches since the company formed.
The 3,600 pound next generation GPS satellite, designated GPS IIF-6, is the sixth member of the planned 12-strong constellation of Block IIF satellites that was first launched in May 2010; the latest in an “interim” class of GPS satellites to keep a critical worldwide positioning, velocity, and timing asset operational until the next-generation GPS Block IIIA comes online later in 2014
The GPS 2F satellites provide improved military signals that have greater accuracy and are more resilient to signal jamming. They also have some civilian requests and a longer life expectation than the previous generation of satellites.
About three hours after launch, the rocket will deliver the satellite directly to the GPS constellation, which is orbiting at an altitude of 11,047 nautical miles.