The sixth Global Positioning System IIF satellite successfully launched May 16 from Cape Canaveral AFS, Fla., aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta IV rocket. “Today’s successful launch demonstrates our combined government and industry team’s dedication to mission success, ensuring GPS continues to be the gold standard for space based positioning, navigation, and timing,” said Col. Bill Cooley, director of the Space and Missile Systems Center’s Global Positioning Systems Directorate, in a May 16 release. The Air Force accepted control of the fifth of 12 GPS IIF satellites from Boeing in April.
The Space Force has awarded 20 contracts worth up to $3.2 billion to 12 companies since last year to develop space-based interceptor capabilities, Space Systems Command announced April 24, providing new details on the firms involved and the scope of their work.