The 12th next generation GPS IIF navigation satellite successfully launched from Cape Canaveral AFS, Fla., Friday morning, Air Force Space Command announced. The satellite blasted off atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V booster at 8:38 a.m. local time on Feb. 5. “Today’s launch marks a momentous milestone. … It is the 12th and last GPS IIF satellite and closes out nearly 27 years of launches for the GPS Block II family of satellites,” 45th Space Wing Vice Commander Col. Shawn Fairhurst said in a release. “The GPS IIF satellite performance has been exceptional and is expected to be operational for years to come,” added Space and Missile Systems Center Commander Lt. Gen. Samuel Greaves. The first GPS IIF satellite was launched on May 28, 2010, and production of the next GPS IIIA is already in production, with the first launch tentatively slated for 2017. The next generation satellites will improve accuracy, availability, integrity, and resistance to jamming. The last Block IIA launched in the 1990’s will be decommissioned this year, and the remaining constellation will comprise a total of 31 satellites divided between Blocks IIR, IIR Modernized, and IIF. (GPS fact?sheet.)
As the Air Force readied for its June 21-22 strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, the service was also putting its Agile Combat Employment strategy into action, dispersing combat aircraft and Airmen from Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar in preparation for a possible Iranian retaliatory attack. Some defense experts say…
