A Global Positioning System Block IIF satellite successfully launched aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral AFS, Fla., just before midnight on Aug. 1. The 45th Space Wing supported the launch, which was the seventh in the GPS IIF series. The GPS constellation brings next-generation performance to the system that provides precision timing and navigation data for military, commercial, and private users, according to an Aug. 2 release. “Once again, the Sharks of the 45th Space Wing proudly tip their collective hats to the United Launch Alliance, Boeing, the Space and Missile Systems Center, GPS Directorate, and all our other mission partners who made this launch successful,” said Brig. Gen. Nina Armagno, 45th Space Wing commander, who also served as launch decision authority.
The Space Development Agency says it’s on track to issue its next batch of missile warning and tracking satellite contracts this month after those awards were delayed by the Pentagon’s decision to divert funds from the agency to pay troops during this fall’s prolonged government shutdown.
