The GPS IIR-20 (M) launch is the Space and Missile Systems Center's 60th consecutive launch success, and the third for the Launch and Range Systems Wing in 2009. The GPS satellite will join the constellation of 31 operational satellites on-orbit providing global coverage and increased overall performance of GPS services to users worldwide. The GPS IIR-M satellites offer a variety of enhanced features for GPS users such as two new military signals for improved accuracy, enhanced encryption, anti-jamming capabilities and a second civil signal to provide dual frequency capability and improve resistance to interference. GPS IIR-20(M) will assume plane B, slot 2 position replacing space vehicle number (SVN) 30. The satellite is expected to be set healthy for navigation users worldwide next month. The Air Force is expected to launch its last GPS IIR-M satellite in August of this year from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. This next mission will also be the last Air Force Delta II mission as it transitions all its launch services to the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) program.
Satnews Daily
March 24th, 2009
U.S.A.F. Successfully Launches 7th GPS IIR-M Satellite
The GPS IIR-20 (M) launch is the Space and Missile Systems Center's 60th consecutive launch success, and the third for the Launch and Range Systems Wing in 2009. The GPS satellite will join the constellation of 31 operational satellites on-orbit providing global coverage and increased overall performance of GPS services to users worldwide. The GPS IIR-M satellites offer a variety of enhanced features for GPS users such as two new military signals for improved accuracy, enhanced encryption, anti-jamming capabilities and a second civil signal to provide dual frequency capability and improve resistance to interference. GPS IIR-20(M) will assume plane B, slot 2 position replacing space vehicle number (SVN) 30. The satellite is expected to be set healthy for navigation users worldwide next month. The Air Force is expected to launch its last GPS IIR-M satellite in August of this year from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. This next mission will also be the last Air Force Delta II mission as it transitions all its launch services to the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) program.