The launch of the ULA Delta II GPS IIR-21 satellite is set for August 17, 6:35 a.m. EDT, from Space Launch Complex-17A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida. The GPS IIR-21 is the last AF Delta II launch, however, ULA will still conduct NASA and commercial launches, but this is the last AF Delta II launch as the Air Force has now totally transitioned to the Delta IV and Atlas V for launches.

• On February 14, 1989, the first modern Block-II satellite was launched
• In December 1993 the GPS achieved initial operational capability
• On January 17, 1994 a complete constellation of 24 satellites were in orbit
• One third of the 142 successful Delta II launches have been dedicated to GPS satellites
• Overall, the Delta II has successfully launched 142 of 144 missions with a 98.6187percent success rate
• GPS has 46 successful launches out of 47 attempts with a 97.87percent success rate

Commemorative Launches

America’s Prisoners of War and Missing in Action hold a sacred place in the hearts and minds of Americans, especially its military members. GPS II-27 (Delta 238) launched September 12, 1996 was dedicated to the nation’s POW/MIA. The Air Force’s 1st Space Launch Squadron along with the Delta II launch team spearheaded an effort to host 260 members and spouses of the American Ex-POW Association for this launch. This mission was selected since the third Friday of every September is designated national POW/MIA Day. As a result, the AF crew that supported GPS II-27 was selected as the Air Force Association’s Space Operations Crew of the Year. In 2006, a second mission launched on September 25, GPS IIR-15 (pictured), was also dedicated to America’s POW/MIAs.

Delta 295 launched GPS IIR-8 on January 29, 2003. It was the first time since September 11, 2001 that an Air Force GPS satellite was deployed. The launch was dedicated to the heroes of September 11th. The Delta II rocket cone displayed a “Let’s Roll” emblem (depicted at right) to honor the heroes aboard the airliner that crashed in Pennsylvania on September 11, 2001. It is believed that the plane was headed toward Washington, but the passengers heroically fought against the hijackers to prevent the aircraft from possibly striking the White House or Capitol. The GPS IIR-8 spacecraft was delivered into orbit after a smooth countdown and on-time liftoff.

The launch of GPS IIR-12 (Delta 305) on June 23, 2004 was dedicated to President Ronald W. Reagan, the 40th president of the United States. President Reagan died on June 5, 2004 and shortly thereafter the Delta II launch team decided to dedicate the next GPS launch to the late President since the program was started during his administration. A special logo (pictured on the right) was placed on the Fixed Umbilical Tower and read “Launch One for the Gipper” with his name, birth and death years. A photo of the Delta II with this logo was presented to Mrs. Nancy Reagan later that year and resides in the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley, California.