The Air Force and Lockheed Martin say the first modernized Global Positioning System passed its on-orbit check, enabling the 2nd Space Operations Squadron, Schriever AFB, Colo., to declare it operational. GPS IIR-14 (M) provides increased signal power, two new military signals, enhanced military encryption and anti-jamming capability, and a second civil signal.
Air Force depots are not typically meant for quick repair jobs, but during Operation Epic Fury, the service moved some of its stateside heavy maintenance capability forward to fix battle-damaged aircraft closer to the fight.
