Boeing has received the first on-orbit signals from the second of 12 Global Positioning System (GPS) IIF satellites it is building for the U.S. Air Force. GPS IIF-2, renamed SVN-63, is functioning normally and ready to begin on-orbit maneuvers and operational testing.

SVN-63 launched on a United Launch Alliance Delta IV vehicle at 2:41 a.m. Eastern time from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Controllers confirmed initial contact with the spacecraft at 6:14 a.m. Eastern time at a ground station on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. GPS signals from the spacecraft payload will be turned on for test purposes in the coming days.

"This satellite delivery continues Boeing's history of support to the Air Force, and joins the previous 39 mission-compliant satellites from the GPS Block I, Block II/IIA and GPS IIF missions represented by more than 35 years of teamwork," said Craig Cooning, vice president and general manager of Boeing Space and Intelligence Systems. "GPS IIF contributes to building a robust GPS constellation by providing increased accuracy through improved atomic clock technology; a more jam-resistant military signal; and a more powerful and secure civilian signal to help commercial airline operations and search-and-rescue missions."

Following launch, the Delta IV vehicle placed SVN-63 into medium Earth orbit. With safety checks completed, checkout will begin under the direction of the Air Force GPS Directorate. Checkout includes payload and system checks to verify operability with the GPS constellation of satellites, ground receivers, and the Operational Control Segment system. Boeing will officially turn over SVN-63 to the Air Force 50th Space Wing and the 2nd Space Operations Squadron this fall after the spacecraft completes on-orbit checkout.

GPS is a global utility providing highly accurate position, navigation and timing services at no cost to billions of people around the world. Originally developed for military use, GPS has been adopted as the foundation of modern communications, with countless applications in aviation; agriculture; surveying and mapping; transportation and navigation; consumer commerce and communications; public safety and disaster relief, and much more.

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Successful Global Positioning System IIF-2 Launch From Cape Canaveral AFS
El Segundo CA (SPX) Jul 18, 2011 - The U.S. Air Force successfully launched GPS IIF-2 Space Vehicle Number (SVN) 63 carried aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Medium rocket at 2:41 a.m. EDT from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.

"I am extremely proud of the tremendous efforts that hundreds of people on the launch team have expended for the launch. I would like to thank United Launch Alliance, Boeing, my launch vehicle team from SMC's Launch and Range Systems Directorate and a host of others for their dedication to mission success," said the GPS IIF-2 Mission Director Col. Bob Hodgkiss.

This is the second in the series of 12 GPS satellites that Boeing has on contract with the Air Force. The satellite will join the GPS constellation of 30 operational satellites on-orbit providing precise positioning, navigation and timing services to users worldwide. SVN-63 will assume plane D, slot 2A position replacing SVN-24 after nearly 20 years of service. The satellite is expected to be available for navigation users worldwide next month.

The GPS IIF satellites will provide greater navigation accuracy to users through improvements in atomic clock technology and a more robust signal for commercial aviation and safety-of-life applications, known as the third civil signal (L5). Along with new and improved signals GPS IIF will have a longer design life of 12 years providing long-term service and reduced operating costs. GPS IIF will also continue to deploy the modernized capabilities that began with the modernized GPS IIR satellites, including a more robust military signal.

"I'm extremely pleased with the successful launch; the GPS system's overall navigational accuracy will improve as more GPS IIF space vehicles are put into service," said Col. Bernie Gruber, director of SMC's Global Positioning Systems Directorate. "The improved accuracy, reliability and security of the GPS system ensure that the Air Force will continue to meet its navigation and timing commitments to GPS users around the world," said Col. Gruber.