[Satellite TODAY 03-29-10] The U.S. Air Force launched an upgraded Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite aboard a Delta 2 rocket on March 20, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., the satellite’s manufacturer Lockheed Martin said in a statement.
    The satellite upgrades include an advanced antenna panel, which aims to deliver greater performance and power for GPS receivers for users to determine precise time and velocity and worldwide latitude, longitude and altitude to within a few meters.
    The Air Force’s GPS constellation currently comprises 27 satellites, including nine new-generation GPS 2R spacecraft, designed to improve worldwide coverage and increase the overall performance of the global positioning constellation.