Boeing Gps Iif Satellite

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.

Boeing gps iif satellite.

In 1996 the gps iif contract was awarded to the boeing company for the development and production of 33 space vehicles svs. On february 5 2016 the final satellite in the iif block was successfully launch. The satellite bus is 2 49 by 2 03 by 2 24 meters in size. February 28 2013 in space.

Since the first launch in 1978 boeing built gps satellites have accumulated the equivalent of more than 500 years of on orbit operation. 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 twelfth and final iif launch was february 5 2016. The vehicles have a liftoff mass of 1 630 kilograms and are equipped with two deployable three panel solar arrays for power generation.

The block iif satellites of the gps fleet are built by boeing and are based on the as 4000 satellite bus. The gps iif delivers improved accuracy greater security and anti jam capabilities while maintaining baseline legacy gps performance. But one of the most important steps they take can be measured in single numbers. 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. The first block iif space vehicle was launched in may 2010 on a delta iv rocket. Gps iif is the product of boeing s long legacy with gps capabilities dating back to the first gps satellite program in 1974. 4th boeing gps iif space vehicle arrives at florida launch site.

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 company has constructed more than 40 gps satellites that cumulatively have provided more than 540 years of on orbit service. They are the final component of the block ii gps constellation to be launched. 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 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 constellation requires a minimum of 24 operational satellites and the official target count is 33. Gps provides positioning navigation and timing service to civil and military users worldwide.