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The first GPS IIF satellite has completed a series of acoustic tests that replicate the noise levels expected during the spacecraft’s launch into orbit.
Image credit: Boeing
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[Satellite TODAY 07-09-13] The Global Positioning System (GPS), which millions of people use every day for precise navigation and timing, recently became more accurate and reliable as the fourth Boeing GPS IIF satellite began operating in the U.S. Air Force network.
Launched May 15, Boeing handed over the satellite to the Air Force after 19 days of post-launch validation to stabilize the vehicle and activate the navigation payload, on June 21.
“With each IIF that we add to the network, the Air Force and Boeing give military and civilian users around the world better GPS navigation and timing information,” said Craig Cooning, Boeing vice president and general manager of space & intelligence systems.
SVN 66, the official name of the new satellite, is now part of the active 31-satellite network. It replaces an earlier Boeing-built model launched in 1996. The next GPS IIF, the fifth of 12 planned, is slated for launch in October.
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