This mission marks a major achievement for the GPS IIF program; this will be the fourth GPS IIF space vehicle launched this year. The first seven of the twelve GPS IIF satellites are currently on-orbit and meeting all mission requirements. The Boeing built GPS IIF satellites add a new third civil signal (L5) for commercial aviation and safety-of-life applications, improved navigational accuracy through advanced atomic clocks and a longer design life than its predecessor models.
"The GPS IIF-8 satellite vehicle is ready for launch, and the improved capabilities of the GPS IIF satellite continues the legacy of delivering global positioning, navigation and timing services" said Col. Bill Cooley, director of Space and Missile Systems Center's Global Positioning Systems Directorate. "We have a legacy to be very proud of and we will continue to live up to our commitments by sustaining and enhancing GPS mission capabilities to ensure we continue to deliver a healthy, stable and robust GPS constellation for users around the world," he said.
GPS continues to perform as the world's premier space-based positioning and navigation system providing Positioning, Navigation, and Timing services for users with continued uninterrupted service. Operated by U.S. Air Force Space Command, the GPS constellation continues to provide worldwide PNT services seven days a week, 24-hours a day.
Air Force Space Command's Space and Missile Systems Center, located at Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., is the U.S. Air Force's center of acquisition excellence for acquiring and developing military space systems. Its portfolio includes the Global Positioning System, military satellite communications, defense meteorological satellites, space launch and range systems, satellite control networks, space-based infrared systems and space situational awareness capabilities.
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