Last GPS IIF Satellite Delivered

Cape Canaveral AFS, Fla., received the last GPS-IIF satellite, according to a release. The Boeing-built satellite will go through a series of preparations, checks, and rehearsals for quality assurance prior to its launch aboard a United Launch Alliance rocket in 2016. “This GPS IIF-12 satellite represents the end of a legacy, as it will be the last of the 61 GPS satellites processed here at [Cape Canaveral Air Force Station],” said Brig. Gen. Wayne Monteith, commander of 45th Space Wing. “This culminates an incredible 27-year legacy at our Area 59 Satellite Processing Facility. We are the nation’s premier gateway to space and are humbled to be a part of the team that provides GPS and its capabilities to the world.” The airmen at Area 59 have participated in every launch of the GPS IIF satellite since May 2010. The 10th GPS-IIF successfully launched on July 15 and the eleventh IIF satellite is slated to launch this month. The 50th Space Wing’s 2nd Space Operations Squadron at Schriever AFB, Colo., monitors and controls GPS as a 24-satellite system.