Delta 4 launches GPS satellite
Posted: Fri, May 28, 2010, 7:12 AM ET (1112 GMT)
A Delta 4 launched the first of a new generation of GPS satellites late Thursday after several earlier attempts were scrubbed. The Delta 4 Medium+ (4,2) lifted off on schedule at 11:00 pm EDT Thursday (0300 GMT Friday) from Space Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral and placed the GPS 2F-1 satellite into medium Earth orbit about three and a half hours later. The launch had been scheduled for last week but was postponed by technical issues with the satellite and launcher. The spacecraft is the first in the Block 2F series of GPS satellites, built by Boeing, feature a new civil signal, increased accuracy, enhanced signal power for better resistance to jamming attempts, and a 12-year service life. The launch was also the first time a GPS satellite has been launched on an EELV; GPS satellites had previously been launched for many years on Delta 2 rockets, which are now being phased out.
A Delta 4 launched the first of a new generation of GPS satellites late Thursday after several earlier attempts were scrubbed. The Delta 4 Medium+ (4,2) lifted off on schedule at 11:00 pm EDT Thursday (0300 GMT Friday) from Space Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral and placed the GPS 2F-1 satellite into medium Earth orbit about three and a half hours later. The launch had been scheduled for last week but was postponed by technical issues with the satellite and launcher. The spacecraft is the first in the Block 2F series of GPS satellites, built by Boeing, feature a new civil signal, increased accuracy, enhanced signal power for better resistance to jamming attempts, and a 12-year service life. The launch was also the first time a GPS satellite has been launched on an EELV; GPS satellites had previously been launched for many years on Delta 2 rockets, which are now being phased out.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
NASA spacecraft spots recent geological activity on the Moon
Posted: Tue, Feb 21 6:02 AM ET (1102 GMT) |
|
news links
|
|
Wednesday, February 22
Laser radar illuminates the way to deep space
ESA — 12:59 pm ET (1759 GMT) Regional winners named in student Space Lab competition
ESA — 12:58 pm ET (1758 GMT) Huntsville sees positive side of Robert Lightfoot's promotion to NASA Headquarters
Huntsville Times — 12:53 pm ET (1753 GMT) San Jacinto College and NASA team up for competition
Ultimate Pasadena (TX) — 12:52 pm ET (1752 GMT) How Hubble’s Steam Planet Discovery Helps Us Understand The Universe
TPM — 12:50 pm ET (1750 GMT) |