New GPS IIF Satellite successfully launched

On 16 May, 2014 at 20:03 EDT the U.S. Air Force launched a United Launch Alliance Delta IV rocket carrying a payload containing the Global Position System IIF Satellite (GPS IIF) from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, USA.

The GPS IIF Satellite built by Boeing will be the sixth satellite of this class to join the GPS constellation upgraded to provide greater navigational accuracy with improved atomic clock technology, a longer 12 year functional life span, and improved signal strength for commercial aviation and safety applications.

“Users can depend on GPS with confidence today, tomorrow and in the future” said Col. Bill Cooley, director of the Space and Missile Systems Centers Global Positioning Systems Director.

GPS operated by the U.S. Air Force Space Command provides accurate real time 24 hour global position, navigation, and timing services.  These services play a major role supporting civil, scientific and commercial endeavors on land, at sea and in the air.  

The U.S. Air Force Space Command is based at the Los Angeles Air Force Base in California, USA, and is responsible for the Global Positioning System GPS.