[09/03/07 – Satellite Today] The U.S. Air Force Global Positioning Systems Wing passed the initial integrated system test on the first GPS Block 2F satellite Aug. 27, the Air Force announced.

The test confirms that each major subsystem, electrical power system, attitude determination and control system as well as the telemetry, tracking and command and navigation payload are integrated properly on the satellite. The test also establishes a performance baseline prior to entering environmental testing, which allows engineers to better analyze the data generated throughout the duration of the testing period.

The first of 12 Block 2F satellites now will undergo acoustic, separation and thermal vacuum testing. The 12 new satellites feature an extended design life of 12 years, faster processors with more memory and a new civil signal on a third frequency.

The first GPS Block 2F satellite is scheduled to be launched in 2008.