U.S Air Force Launches New GPS Satellite

The U.S. Air Force has successfully launched a United Launch Alliance Delta IV-Medium rocket carrying the third Global Positioning System IIF satellite. The GPS Block IIF satellites are built by Boeing, and will be operated by the United States Air Force following their launch by United Launch Alliance, using Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicles. "The 45th Space Wing, Space and Missile Systems Center's GPS Directorate, Boeing and United Launch Alliance team are proud to launch the third installment of the GPS Block IIF," said Col. Robert Pavelko, vice commander, 45th Space Wing commander, who also served as Launch Decision Authority. GPS satellites are launched at a rate to sustain the constellation to continue providing extremely accurate positioning, navigation and timing services to billions of users worldwide. "Once again, the 45th Space Wing, working in concert with our talented mission partners, is delivering space assets that will greatly benefit our nation," Col. Pavelko said. "We earn our stripes and prove to the world what a world-class team we have with every single launch we execute from here," he said.