The Air Force and its industry partners on Thursday launched the fifth GPS IIF navigation satellite into space from Cape Canaveral AFS, Fla. A United Launch Alliance Delta IV rocket carried the Boeing-built satellite into orbit, lifting off from Space Launch Complex 37 at 8:59 p.m. local time, according to a service release. “Once again, a group of talented mission partners rose to the challenge of launching another successful mission from the Cape,” said Col. Douglas Schiess, 45th Operations Group commander, who oversaw the launch. The satellite joins the four IIF spacecraft already operating on orbit as part of the GPS constellation of some 30 satellites. Compared to earlier model GPS spacecraft, the IIF configuration offers greater navigational accuracy, a new civilian L5 signal, and an improved military signal with better resistance to jamming, according to the Air Force.
How Miss America 2024 Took the Air Force Somewhere New
Dec. 20, 2024
When 2nd Lt. Madison Marsh became the first ever active service member crowned Miss America on Jan. 14, top Air Force officials recognized a rare opportunity to reach women and girls who otherwise might not consider military service as an option.