The IIF-7 GPS was launched in early August aboard the United Launch Alliance Atlas-5 rocket at Cape Canaveral. It is the seventh of 12 satellites Boeing has built for the US Air Force, and the third in-orbit delivery this year.
"We are providing our partners and Air Force GPS s with a steady supply of advanced GPS IIFs," said Craig Cooning, president, Boeing Network & Space Systems. “Our robust launch requires paced vigilance and attention to detail, and mission success is our top priority. We continue to partner with the Air Force and ULA to effectively execute the launch schedule. ”
Boeing and the Air Force will complete the complete in-orbit check-out of the satellite next month. GPS IIFs offer higher signal accuracy, better anti-jamming capability, longer design life and the new civil L5 signal.
GPS IIF-8, scheduled for launch during the fourth quarter, arrived at Cape Canaveral on July 16 and is undergoing final launch preparations.
