The first Global Positioning System Block IIF satellite came through its initial integrated system test with flying colors. The GPS Wing at Los Angeles AFB, Calif., confirmed that all major subsystem are integrated properly on the satellite, which is slated for launch next year. But next it must go through acoustic, separation, and thermal vacuum testing, according to a Space and Missile Systems Center release.
The Space Development Agency is set to launch 21 Tranche 1 data transport satellites on Oct. 5—its fourth Tranche 1 mission since last fall and the first to carry Northrop Grumman-built satellites.