Boeing Delta II Launches Global Positioning Satellite for U.S. Air Force
A Boeing Delta II rocket today successfully placed
the 29th Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite into orbit aboard a
Delta rocket. Every GPS satellite launched to date has been carried
into its nearly 10,900 mile elliptical transfer orbit by Delta
rockets. (excluding the Block I satellites used during the research
and development phase of the GPS program).
The launch took place at 5:17 a.m. EDT from Space Launch Complex
17A. Boeing has an additional 16 launches manifested aboard the Delta
II rocket for the satellite-based GPS (Block IIR satellites).
Recognized as the world’s premier navigation satellite system, GPS
operates via a constellation of 28 operational satellites, a ground
control system, and thousands of terminals to help locate and guide
military and civilian users in the air, at sea, on the ground and in
space.
“Boeing has been involved in the Air Force’s GPS program since
1974 when the company won contracts to build developmental satellites
and receiver sets,” said Will Hampton, Boeing director of U.S. Air
Force Delta II programs. “We are currently designing, developing and
producing the third generation of GPS satellites, the Block IIF, and
are proud to continue playing a significant role in this important
effort.
“Mission success is our number-one priority, and we help to ensure
it by focusing on sound, proven processes that have worked well for
Delta II and our customers for years,” Hampton said.
“Our efforts have been strengthened by implementing
recommendations from the Broad Area Review panel brought together by
President Clinton and from the Boeing Mission Assurance Review panel.
Maintaining the integrity of Delta’s launch success record requires
constant attention to detail and a commitment to continuous
improvement, so these recommendations serve to reinforce our efforts
to remain at the forefront of the space transportation evolution,” he
said.
The technological evolution continues with development of the
Delta III to meet the needs of the commercial launch market for larger
payloads, and the Delta IV for the Air Force Evolved Expendable Launch
Vehicle Program (EELV). Delta IV is offered as a family of launch
vehicles – Small, Medium and Heavy.
Boeing is working on design, development and production of the
third generation of GPS satellites, the Block IIF, for the Air Force.
A number of these satellites will be launched on the Boeing Delta IV
under the Air Force EELV program.