The U.S. Air Force is scheduled to launch the first space vehicle of a new series of GPS satellites, “GPS IIF,” aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta IV rocket on May 20, 2010, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. The launch window opens at 11:29 p.m. EDT, and will remain open for 19 minutes should there be any delays for weather or technical reasons.

Built by Boeing, the GPS IIF satellite will introduce improved signals that will enhance the positioning, navigation and timing services supporting the warfighter and the growing civil and commercial needs of our global economy. GPS IIF will provide improved accuracy through advanced atomic clocks, a longer design life of the previous generation of GPS satellites, and a more robust signal for commercial aviation and search and rescue efforts known as the third civil signal (L5). It will also continue to deploy the modernized capabilities that begun with the eight modernized GPS IIR satellites, including a more robust military signal.

“The team is eager to launch the first GPS IIF-1 satellite. We have put in a lot of hard work to get to this point but safety and mission assurance are paramount - we will be diligent to ensure we do not launch until absolutely certain that both the satellite and launch vehicle are ready to go,” said Col. Gerald Wirsig, commander, Delta Group and mission director for the launch.

“Through solid engineering and excellent operational management of the constellation, the mixed IIA, IIR, and IIR-M satellites in the GPS constellation are performing exceptionally well - the GPS constellation is the most robust and capable system in the history of space,” said Col. Dave Madden, commander, Global Positioning Systems Wing. “The GPS IIF satellite is the dawn of a new era of GPS services that will pave the way for improved and timely delivery of integrated GPS capabilities,” said Madden. “We have come a long way, through the teamwork of our acquisition, operations and industry partners we have captured, resolved and triumphed over all obstacles while focusing on mission assurance and mission success. I look forward to a successful launch and thanks to the dedication and hard work of the men and women of the 45th Space Wing, 50th Space Wing, United Launch Alliance, Boeing Space and Intelligence Division, Launch Range Systems Wing, and the Global Positioning Systems Wing team, GPS will continue to provide and deliver sustained and reliable GPS capabilities to our warfighting forces and for the nation. To mission success!”

The U.S Air Force and Air Force Space Command have been the diligent stewards of GPS since its conception in the 1970s and continue its commitment to this critical component of our National Infrastructure. The current GPS constellation has the most satellites and the greatest capability ever. We are committed to maintaining our current level of service, as well as striving to improve service and capability through on-going modernization efforts. The Air Force will continue to pursue an achievable path maintaining GPS as the premier provider of positioning, navigation and timing for military and civilian users around the world.