The Air Force on Monday successfully placed the last of its modernized Global Positioning System IIR satellites into orbit. A United Launch Alliance Delta II Rocket fired from Cape Canaveral AFS, Fla., carried this satellite, designated GPS IIR-21(M), into space. It joined the constellation of 30 other GPS spacecraft, including seven other Block IIR-M satellites, that provide precision navigation, location, and timing functions to the US military and worldwide civil users. “I am exceedingly pleased with today’s launch and elated to be a part of a mission that plays a critical component of our nation’s infrastructure,” said Col. Dave Madden, commander of the GPS Wing at Los Angeles AFB, Calif. The Lockheed Martin-built satellite features improved accuracy, enhanced encryption, anti-jamming capabilities, and a second civil signal. It is expected to be declared ready for operations next month. (Los Angeles release)
U.S. Space Command has established an internal planning team, dubbed Tasked Force Voyager, to spearhead logistics for the combatant command's relocation from Colorado to Alabama.
