Air Force set to launch next GPS IIF satellite
A technician performs a check of a Global Positioning System IIF-series satellite within a four-meter diameter protective payload fairing during final encapsulation Oct. 16 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. GPS IIF satellites provide improved signals that will enhance the precise global positioning, navigation and timing services supporting both the warfighter and the growing civilian needs of our global economy. GPS IIF will provide improved navigational accuracy through advanced atomic clocks, a longer design life than previous GPS satellites, and a third operational civil signal (L5) that benefits commercial aviation and safety-of-life applications. The Air Force and its mission partners are scheduled to launch GPS IIF-11 aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V 401 launch vehicle Oct. 30 from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral AFS, Fla. The launch window opens at 12:17 p.m. EDT and will remain open for 18 minutes. (Courtesy photo: United Launch Alliance)