Boeing Gps Iif Satellite

4th boeing gps iif space vehicle arrives at florida launch site.

Boeing gps iif satellite.

On february 5 2016 the final satellite in the iif block was successfully launch. Gps block iif or gps iif is an interim class of gps which are used to keep the navstar global positioning system operational until the gps block iiia satellites become operational. The satellite bus is 2 49 by 2 03 by 2 24 meters in size. The satellite has a mass of 1 630 kilograms 3 600 lb and a design life of 12 years.

Deliver sustained reliable gps capabilities to america s warfighters our allies and civil users. As of august 2020 75 global positioning system navigation satellites have been launched 31 of which are operational 9 in reserve 3 being tested 30 have been retired and 2 were lost at launch. The global positioning system iif is a current iteration of the gps satellite which boeing began building in 1978. The gps receiver needs 4 satellites to work out your position in 3 dimensions.

The block iif satellites of the gps fleet are built by boeing and are based on the as 4000 satellite bus. February 28 2013 in space. The gps iif delivers improved accuracy greater security and anti jam capabilities while maintaining baseline legacy gps performance. They are the final component of the block ii gps constellation to be launched.

Rotating 220 miles 354 km above earth is the international space station where boeing provides a safe environment for more than 200 experiments. They were built by boeing to be operated by the united states air force being launched by united launch alliance using evolved expendable launch vehicles. The first block iif space vehicle was launched in may 2010 on a delta iv rocket. As the prime contractor on the gps block i block ii block iia and block iif programs boeing has built 40 of the 62 gps satellites launched since 1978.

Since the first launch in 1978 boeing built gps satellites have accumulated the equivalent of more than 500 years of on orbit operation. The block iif series are follow on satellites developed by boeing. The company has constructed more than 40 gps satellites that cumulatively have provided more than 540 years of on orbit service. The constellation requires a minimum of 24 operational satellites and the official target count is 33.

But one of the most important steps they take can be measured in single numbers. The vehicles have a liftoff mass of 1 630 kilograms and are equipped with two deployable three panel solar arrays for power generation. Gps iif is the product of boeing s long legacy with gps capabilities dating back to the first gps satellite program in 1974. The twelfth and final iif launch was february 5 2016.