EL SEGUNDO, Calif., 23 Sept. 2009. Boeing engineers completed ground tests to pave the way for next year's launch of the first Global Positioning System (GPS) IIF satellite.

GPS IIF Space Vehicle 2 (SV-2), built in Boeing's El Segundo satellite factory, was tested at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida from May through August in preparation for the launch of SV-1. The SV-1 is the first of 12 GPS IIF next-generation navigation satellites.

SV-2 completed a consolidated system test (CST), a set of one-time, system-level design verification and validation tests involving the space vehicle, the ground-based control segment, and user equipment.

SV-2 was also used as a "pathfinder" to validate transportation equipment and processes, and to launch site test procedures and equipment.

"These tests reflect a combined effort from the Air Force and Boeing to ensure that the first GPS IIF satellite is on track to meet the Air Force's current launch commitments," says Craig Cooning, vice president and general manager of Boeing Space and Intelligence Systems. "The tests also demonstrate compatibility between the space vehicle and ground control segment."

Boeing is installing the final pieces of hardware on SV-1 and preparing it for its final cycle of environmental vacuum testing to confirm the spacecraft's integrity for launch.

SV-2 returned to El Segundo on Sept. 3 and will follow SV-1 into environmental vacuum testing in preparation for its own launch.
GPS is a space-based, worldwide navigation system providing users with highly accurate, three-dimensional position, navigation and timing information 24 hours a day in all weather conditions.