A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Delta IV rocket launched the sixth Global Positioning System (GPS) IIF-6 satellite for the U.S. Air Force on May 17 at 8:03 p.m. EDT from the Space Launch Complex-37.
This is ULA's fifth launch this year and 82nd successful launch since 2006 when the company was formed.
"ULA is honored to work with this world-class U.S. government and contractor mission team, and we are proud to contribute to the GPS capabilities that were delivered to orbit today," said Jim Sponnick, ULA vice president, Atlas and Delta Programs, according to a company release. "Congratulations to the entire team on tonight's successful launch of the GPS IIF-6 satellite and the continued one-launch-at-a-time focus."
The satellite was launched aboard a Delta IV Medium-plus configuration Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) with a single ULA common booster core powered by an Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-68 main engine, along with two ATK GEM-60 solid rocket motors, according to the release.
Two more launches have been planned for the end of July and late October on Atlas 5 rockets from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.
"Our team has launched every modern GPS satellite from here at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. We take great pride in our ability to deliver these capabilities to our citizens and warfighters," said Lt. Col. Paul Konyha, 45th Launch Support Squadron commander. "I am always impressed by the amount of dedication and rigor that everyone puts into each launch."
The next ULA launch is the Atlas V NROL-33 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office.
The mission has been scheduled for May 22 from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.
"Today's successful launch demonstrates our combined government and industry team's dedication to mission success, ensuring GPS continues to be the Gold Standard for space based positioning, navigation, and timing," said Col. Bill Cooley, director of the Space and Missile Systems Centers Global Positioning Systems Directorate.
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