U.S. Air Force's GPS IIF-12 satellite joins constellation to undergo on-orbit testing
NewsFebruary 08, 2016
CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla. The U.S. Air Force completed the GPS IIF constellation with the launch of the 12th Boeing-built satellite. GPS IIF-12 still needs to undergo on-orbit testing to be declared operational.
The GPS IIF-12 launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket. Officials announced that once the spacecraft was released into its medium Earth orbit of about 12,000 miles, signal acquisition was confirmed.
The Air Force Global Positioning System modernization program conducted its first launch on May 27, 2010. The purpose is to improve accuracy and security while introducing new civilian and military capabilities, officials say.
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