The first Air Force launch of 2016 will be the last for the current generation of GPS satellites.

The GPS IIF-12, scheduled for a Feb. 5 launch, will the twelfth and final satellite in the Block IIF group that's been operating since 2010, and the final GPS II launch, which has been sending satellites into space since 1989.

The next generation, GPS III, is set to launch in May 2017. Col. Steve Whitney, the director of the Global Positioning System Directorate, said that the first GPS III satellite passed critical environmental testing in December.

As for the GPS IIF launch, Whitney called it "the end of an era."

He added that the GPS IIF block has ended with "one of the most aggressive launch schedules of the last 20 years," seeing seven satellites go up in just over 21 months.

The satellites have greatly improved the accuracy of the GPS system, he said. When Block IIF first started launching, the possibility for errors in accuracy were between 90 centimeters to one meter. As of January 2016, that possible deviation was down to 42 centimeters.

A change in accuracy of 50 centimeters might not mean much for civilian navigators driving their cars, but Whitney said it can be the difference between life or death on the battlefield, ensuring a GPS-guided munition can directly hit its target, or land far enough away from troops to allow them to take cover.

"As an airman, I do have a special place in my heart for those soldiers, sailors, airman, Marines that are relaying on this capability," Whitney said.

Altogether, the single GPS IIF-12 satellite cost $131 million, the Air Force said.

GPS II satellites have been the only ones civilians have ever known to provide navigation, and they've aided the military in operations from Desert Storm to Operation Inherent Resolve.

One of the older Block IIA satellites launched in 1990 will move out of orbit to make space for the newest IIF-12. But that old satellite is still functioning and serving GPS in a back-up capacity.

"There are 23 lieutenants here in my program office that are younger than that satellite," Whitney said.

The IIF-12 satellite launch has already been delayed once to allow engineers to check issues with the rocket's electrical connectors.

"Space launch is an inherently risky enterprise," said Dr. Walter Lauderdale, the GPS IIF-12 mission director. "We must never become complacent. You don't get a second chance once the rocket lifts off."

Indeed, Whitney said the team will ensure the satellite is working properly before celebrating the conclusion of GPS II.

"Every time you get one up there and successfully deliver it, it's an incredible feeling," he said. "Once we get it in orbit, once we get it checked out, which typically takes a week, then we'll consider what celebrations we want to have."

"GPS will be there whenever you need it," Whitney added. "Our goal is to deliver sustained GPS capabilities to users around the world."

Phillip Swarts is a reporter for Air Force Times who covers aircraft and space operations. You can reach him at pswarts@airforcetimes.com, or follow him on Twitter at @PFSwarts or on Facebook.

Share:
In Other News
Load More