Boeing and U.S. Air Force complete 12-satellite GPS IIF constellation

CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla., 11 Feb. 2016. Boeing [NYSE:BA] and U.S. Air Force engineers completed the GPS IIF constellation with the launch of the 12th Boeing-built satellite.

Following on-orbit tests, GPS IIF-12 will be formally declared operational in approximately one month, making it the 50th GPS satellite Boeing will have delivered on orbit to the Air Force.

Since the first launch on 27 May 2010, the GPS IIFs have advanced the Air Force’s global positioning system (GPS) modernization program by improving accuracy and security, while introducing new civilian and military capabilities to a system used by millions of people around the world.

“We continue investing in GPS innovation while driving down costs, keeping GPS prepared to meet current and future demands,” says Dan Hart, vice president, Boeing Government Satellite Systems.

Boeing has been the prime contractor for GPS since the program’s inception, providing multiple generations of satellites that have collectively accrued more than 540 years of on-orbit operation.

GPS IIF-12 lifted off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V launch vehicle on 5 Feb. 2016 at 8:38 a.m. EST. About three hours and 23 minutes later the spacecraft was released into its medium Earth orbit of about 12,000 miles. Signal acquisition was confirmed at 12:09 p.m. EST.

In 2016, Boeing celebrates 100 years of pioneering aviation accomplishments and launches its second century as an innovative, customer-focused aerospace technology and capabilities provider, community partner, and preferred employer, officials say. Headquartered in St. Louis, Defense, Space & Security is a $30 billion business with about 50,000 employees worldwide.