Satellite controllers at Schriever AFB, Colo., took charge of the latest GPS IIF navigation satellite on Nov. 6, a mere six days after it was launched, according to a release. “It was a fast turn from launch to taking control of the spacecraft,” 2nd Space Operations Squadron commander Lt. Col. Todd Benson, said in a release. “We’ve done five launches in the last 15 months,” said Benson. “You won’t find that experience anywhere else,” he added. The 11th next generation GPS satellite—SV-73—blasted off from Cape Canaveral AFS, Fla., Oct. 31, and the next GPS IIF satellite is slated for deployment in February. The overall GPS constellation currently comprises 40 satellites, according to the release.
The U.S. continued to move a significant amount of airpower toward the Middle East in recent days as talks to forge a nuclear deal with Iran hung in the balance. Flight tracking data indicate there was unusually heavy movement of dozens of fighter jets and other assets that might be…
