Atlas V GPS Satellite Launch Flawless
By Space Coast Daily // May 15, 2013
United Launch Alliance
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – An Atlas V rocket blasted off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station carrying a GPS satellite into orbit today at 5:38 p.m.
The Atlas V launched the latest GPS satellite into orbit to maintain the constellation of navigation satellites managed by the U.S. Air Force. Previous GPS satellites have been launched on the Delta II and Delta IV rockets, with the early satellites using Atlas E/F configurations, making todays launch the inaugural mission for GPS on an Atlas V rocket.
GPS satellites provide navigational assistance for U.S. military operations on land, at sea and in the air. Civilian users around the world also use and depend on GPS for highly accurate time, location, and velocity information.
GPS IIF-4 is one of the next generation GPS satellites, incorporating various improvements to provide greater accuracy, increased signals, and enhanced performance for users.
The United Launch Alliance is preparing to launch a Delta IV rocket next Wednesday, also from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.
