The Boeing press release is reproduce below:

ST. LOUIS, Sept. 25, 2006 -- The reliable Boeing [NYSE: BA] Delta II launch vehicle, known as the workhorse of the launch industry in its payload class, successfully delivered to orbit earlier today a replenishment Block IIR Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite for the U.S. Air Force.

The Delta II rocket carrying the GPS IIR-15 (M) spacecraft lifted off from Space Launch Complex 17A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., at 2:50 p.m. EDT, Sept. 24. Following a nominal 68-minute flight, the rocket deployed the satellite to a transfer orbit.

"We are honored to have a continuing role in maintaining the GPS constellation, which is so vital to our nation's defense and security," said Dan Collins, vice president, Boeing Launch Systems. "The Delta team has launched all the GPS-II spacecraft and we look forward to continuing with the delivery of the replenishment satellites to keep the constellation operable 24-7."

The Boeing Delta II 7925-9.5 configuration vehicle used for today's mission featured a Boeing first stage booster powered by a Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne RS-27A main engine and nine Alliant Techsystems (ATK) solid rocket boosters. An Aerojet AJ10-118K engine powered the storable propellant restartable second stage. A Thiokol Star-48B solid rocket motor propelled the third stage prior to spacecraft deployment. The rocket also flew with a nine-and-a-half-foot-diameter Boeing payload fairing.

A redundant inertial flight control assembly built by L3 Communications Space & Navigation provided guidance and control for the rocket that enabled a precise deployment of the satellite.

Boeing provides launches for the GPS program aboard Delta II vehicles and has a planned GPS manifest through at least 2007. The GPS IIR-15 (M) is the second of the modernized GPS satellites that incorporates various improvements to provide greater accuracy, increased resistance to interference and enhanced performance for users.

The GPS network supports U.S. military operations conducted from aircraft, ships, land vehicles and by ground personnel. Additional use includes mapping, aerial refueling and rendezvous, geodetic surveys, and search and rescue operations.

GPS provides military and civilian users three-dimensional position location data in longitude, latitude and elevation as well as precise time and velocity. The satellites orbit the Earth every 12 hours, emitting continuous navigation signals. The signals are so accurate, time can be figured to within one millionth of a second, velocity within a fraction of a mile-per-second and location to within 100 feet.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $30.8 billion business. It provides network-centric system solutions to its global military, government and commercial customers. It is a leading provider of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems; the world's largest military aircraft manufacturer; the world's largest satellite manufacturer; a foremost developer of advanced concepts and technologies; a leading provider of space-based communications; the primary systems integrator for U.S. missile defense; NASA's largest contractor; and a global leader in sustainment solutions and launch services.

###

Source: Boeing press release

Source: Boeing press release

The Lockheed Martin press release is reproduced below:

U.S. AIR FORCE SUCCESSFULLY LAUNCHES MODERNIZED GPS SATELLITE BUILT BY LOCKHEED MARTIN

CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla., September 25, 2006 -- A modernized Global Positioning System Block IIR (GPS IIR-M) satellite built by Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] was launched successfully today from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.


The satellite, designated GPS IIR-15(M), is the second in a series of eight modernized GPS Block IIR spacecraft that Lockheed Martin Navigation Systems is developing for its customer, the Global Positioning Systems Wing, Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif.

The spacecraft are the most technologically advanced GPS satellites ever developed and are designed to provide significantly improved navigation performance for U.S. military and civilian users worldwide. The satellite will join the first modernized IIR satellite, GPS IIR-14(M), successfully launched and declared operational last year and 12 other operational Block IIR satellites currently on-orbit within the overall 29-spacecraft constellation. The Air Force dedicated today's mission to honor American POW/MIAs past and present.

"We're proud of our partnership with the U.S. Air Force in delivering unparalleled navigation capabilities to GPS users around the globe," said Don DeGryse, Lockheed Martin's vice president of Navigation Systems. "We look forward to executing a successful on-orbit checkout so that this modernized spacecraft can be quickly placed into operational service."

The GPS IIR-M spacecraft offer a variety of enhanced features for GPS users, such as a modernized antenna panel that provides increased signal power to receivers on the ground, two new military signals for improved accuracy, enhanced encryption and anti-jamming capabilities for the military, and a second civil signal that will provide users with an open access signal on a different frequency.

The Global Positioning System enables properly equipped users to determine precise time and velocity and worldwide latitude, longitude and altitude to within a few meters. Air Force Space Command's 2nd Space Operations Squadron (2SOPS), based at Schriever Air Force Base, Colo., manages and operates the GPS constellation for both civil and military users. GPS IIR-M production takes place at Lockheed Martin facilities in Valley Forge, Pa. The modernized navigation payload is provided by ITT Industries in Clifton, N.J.

Lockheed Martin is also leading a team competing to build the next-generation Global Positioning System, known as GPS Block III. The new program will address the challenging military transformational and civil needs across the globe, including advanced anti-jam capabilities and improved system security, accuracy and reliability. GPS Block III will enhance space-based navigation and performance and set a new world standard for positioning and timing services.



Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 135,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2005 sales of $37.2 billion.

Source: Lockheed Martin Press Release

The Boeing press release is reproduce below:

ST. LOUIS, Nov. 17, 2006 -- A Boeing [NYSE: BA] Delta II launch vehicle today successfully delivered to orbit a replenishment Block IIR Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite for the U.S. Air Force.

The Delta II rocket carrying the GPS IIR-16 (M) satellite lifted off from Space Launch Complex 17A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., at 2:12 p.m. Eastern time, deploying the satellite to a transfer orbit 68 minutes later.

The Delta II, known as the workhorse of the launch industry in its payload class, has launched all of the GPS IIR satellites. The launch also marked the second GPS mission aboard a Boeing Delta II in less than two months. GPS IIR-15 lifted off from Cape Canaveral on Sept. 25.

"Our Delta team understands the importance GPS satellites play in protecting our military and helping them defend our country," said Dan Collins, vice president and general manager, Boeing Launch Systems. "The Delta II vehicle has a strong record of performance, and I am proud of the team's commitment to mission success and our role in sustaining the GPS constellation."

The Boeing Delta II 7925-9.5 configuration vehicle used for today's mission featured a Boeing first stage booster powered by a Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne RS-27A main engine and nine Alliant Techsystems (ATK) solid rocket boosters. An Aerojet AJ10-118K engine powered the storable propellant restartable second stage. A Thiokol Star-48B solid rocket motor propelled the third stage prior to spacecraft deployment. The rocket also flew with a nine-and-a-half-foot diameter Boeing payload fairing

A redundant inertial flight control assembly built by L3 Communications Space & Navigation provided guidance and control for the rocket, enabling a precise deployment of the satellite.

GPS IIR-16 (M) is the third of the modernized GPS satellites that feature greater accuracy, increased resistance to interference and enhanced performance for users.

The GPS network supports U.S. military operations conducted from aircraft, ships, land vehicles and by ground personnel. Additional uses include mapping, aerial refueling and rendezvous, geodetic surveys, and search and rescue operations.

GPS provides military and civilian users 3-D position location data in longitude, latitude and elevation as well as precise time and velocity. The satellites orbit the Earth every 12 hours, emitting continuous navigation signals. The signals are so accurate, time can be figured to within one millionth of a second, velocity within a fraction of a mile-per-second and location to within 100 feet.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $30.8 billion business. It provides network-centric system solutions to its global military, government, and commercial customers. It is a leading provider of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems; the world's largest military aircraft manufacturer; the world's largest satellite manufacturer; a foremost developer of advanced concepts and technologies; a leading provider of space-based communications; the primary systems integrator for U.S. missile defense; NASA's largest contractor; and a global leader in sustainment solutions and launch services.

###

Source: Boeing press release

The Lockheed Martin press release is reproduced below:

LOCKHEED MARTIN-BUILT GPS SATELLITE LAUNCHED SUCCESSFULLY BY THE U.S. AIR FORCE

CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla., November 17, 2006 -- A U.S. Air Force modernized Global Positioning System Block IIR (GPS IIR-M) satellite, designed and built by Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] was launched successfully today from this seaside launch complex aboard a Delta II launch vehicle.

The satellite, designated GPS IIR-16M, is the third in a series of eight Block IIR-M spacecraft that Lockheed Martin Navigation Systems is developing for its customer, the Global Positioning Systems Wing, Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif. The Block IIR-M series includes new features that enhance operations and navigation signal performance for military and civilian GPS users around the globe.

Each IIR-M satellite includes a modernized antenna panel that provides increased signal power to receivers on the ground, two new military signals for improved accuracy, enhanced encryption and anti-jamming capabilities for the military, and a second civil signal that will provide users with an open access signal on a different frequency.

"We are extremely proud of our ability to deliver mission success for our customer," said Don DeGryse, Lockheed Martin's vice president of Navigation Systems. "The modernized IIR-M program is providing new capabilities for navigation users around the globe and we look forward to executing a timely and efficient on-orbit checkout of this world-class, high-performance spacecraft."

The Global Positioning System enables properly equipped users to determine precise time and velocity and worldwide latitude, longitude and altitude to within a few meters. The second GPS IIR-M spacecraft was launched successfully on Sept. 25 and was declared operational on Oct. 12 by Air Force Space Command's 2nd Space Operations Squadron (2 SOPS) at Schriever Air Force Base, Colo., which manages and operates the GPS constellation for both civil and military users.

In addition to the two IIR-M satellites now on-orbit, the satellite launched today joins 12 other operational Block IIR satellites within the overall 29-spacecraft constellation.

The modernized navigation payloads are being built by ITT in Clifton, N.J. The satellite upgrades along with final assembly, integration and test is being performed at Lockheed Martin facilities in Valley Forge, Pa.

Lockheed Martin is also leading a team in the competition to build the U.S. Air Force’s next-generation Global Positioning System, GPS Block III. The next-generation program will address the challenging military transformational and civil needs across the globe, including advanced anti-jam capabilities and improved system security, accuracy and reliability.

The team, which includes ITT and General Dynamics, recently completed a System Requirements Review and is now working under a $49 million contract to execute a System Design Review in March 2007. A multi-billion dollar development contract is scheduled to be awarded to by the Global Positioning Systems Wing, Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif. in 2007.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2005 sales of $37.2 billion.

Source: Lockheed Martin Press Release

ST. LOUIS, Nov. 17, 2006 -- A Boeing [NYSE: BA] Delta II launch vehicle today successfully delivered to orbit a replenishment Block IIR Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite for the U.S. Air Force.

The Delta II rocket carrying the GPS IIR-16 (M) satellite lifted off from Space Launch Complex 17A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., at 2:12 p.m. Eastern time, deploying the satellite to a transfer orbit 68 minutes later.



Source: Boeing press release

The US Air Force press release is reproduced below:

Air Force launches Delta II/GPS Mission

11/17/2006 - CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla. (AFPN) --The Air Force successfully launched a Delta II booster from Cape Canveral, Fla., Nov. 17.

The joint government and industry launch was carrying the NAVSTAR Global Positioning System satellite. This launch was led by the 45th Space Wing.

The satellite launched is the third of the modernized GPS satellites that incorporates various improvements that will provide greater accuracy, increased resistance to interference and enhanced performance for users.

It will become part of a system consisting of a 24-satellite constellation that provides continuous and precise navigation and timing information to military and civilian users worldwide.

"This success is another example of how the 45th Space Wing is at the leading edge of providing combat effects to our warfighters," said Brig. Gen. Susan Helms, 45th SW commander.

Capt. Greg Vice, of the 1st Space Launch Squadron, was the Air Force launch crew commander for the mission.

"Our launch team is tremendous," he said. "This was our third Delta II launch within seven weeks. Launching systems such as GPS is one of the many ways space operators contribute to the Global War on Terror."

The GPS is a space-based positioning and navigation system. Operations such as mapping, aerial refueling, rendezvous operations, geodetic surveying and, search and rescue operations have all benefited from GPS accuracy.

Source: Air Force press release

Delta II launch
An Air Force Delta II booster successfully launches from Cape Canveral, Fla. Nov. 17. The joint government and industry launch was carrying the NAVSTAR Global Positioning System satellite. The satellite launched is the third of the modernized GPS satellites that incorporates various improvements that will provide greater accuracy, increased resistance to interference and enhanced performance for users. (U.S. Air Force photo

Source: Air Force press release

Cape Canaveral, Fla., (Oct. 17, 2007) - United Launch Alliance successfully launched a Delta II expendable launch vehicle today from Space Launch Complex 17-A at 8:23 a.m., EDT carrying the Air Force’s GPS IIR-17(M) satellite. This launch marks the third ULA mission this year conducted for the Air Force, and one of the five remaining Air Force Delta II launches.

Following a nominal 1 hour and 8 minute flight, the rocket deployed the GPS IIR-17(M) spacecraft, the fourth modernized NAVSTAR Global Positioning System Block II R-M military navigation satellite. GPS is a space-based radio-positioning system nominally consisting of a minimum of 24-satellite constellation that provides navigation and timing information to military and civilian users worldwide

"With nine successful missions completed this year, ULA’s launch team continues to demonstrate its commitment to providing safe, cost-effective, reliable access to space for U.S. government missions,” said Mark Wilkins, vice president of Delta Programs. “We are honored to be a part of launching missions, such as GPS, which are force multipliers for our men and women in uniform serving our country throughout the world."

Designed to operate for 10 years, GPS satellites orbit the Earth every 12 hours, emitting continuous navigation signals. With the proper equipment, users can receive these signals to calculate time, location and velocity. In addition to its military use, GPS satellites provide directional assistance to civilian users around the world.

The ULA Delta II 7925-9.5 configuration vehicle featured an ULA first stage booster powered by a Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne RS-27A main engine and nine Alliant Techsystems (ATK) strap-on solid rocket motors. An Aerojet AJ10-118K engine powered the second stage. A spin-stabilized Star-48B solid-rocket motor built by ATK boosted the third stage. The payload was encased by a 9.5-foot-diameter metallic payload fairing.

ULA began processing the Delta II launch vehicle in Decatur, Ala., nearly two years ago. In November 2006, the first stage arrived at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station from Decatur, followed by the second stage in December. The vehicle was erected on the stand at Pad 17-A, Aug. 20, with solid rocket motor installation completed by the end of the month. Hundreds of ULA technicians, engineers and management worked to prepare the vehicle for the GPS IIR-17(M) mission.

ULA's next launch, currently scheduled for no earlier than mid-November, is the Defense Support Program (DSP-23) satellite for the Air Force aboard a Delta IV Heavy from Space Launch Complex 37 at CCAFS.

ULA program management, engineering, test and mission support functions are headquartered in Denver, Colo. Manufacturing, assembly and integration operations are located at Decatur, Ala., Harlingen, Tex. and San Diego, Calif. Launch operations are located at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., and Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.

For more information on the ULA joint venture call the ULA Launch Hotline at 1-877-ULA-4321 (852-4321).

Source: United Launch Alliance

The US Air Force press release is reproduced below:

AF launches Delta II/GPS mission

45th Space Wing Public Affairs

10/17/2007 - CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla. -- The U.S. Air Force successfully launched a United Launch Alliance Delta II booster carrying the fourth modernized GPS satellite into space Oct. 17 8:23 a.m. (EDT) from Space Launch Complex 17A here.


CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla.
-- The U.S. Air Force successfully launched a United
Launch Alliance Delta II booster carrying the fourth
modernized GPS satellite into space Oct. 17 8:23 a.m.
(EDT) from Space Launch Complex 17A here.
(Courtesy photo)

The satellite will join the constellation of 30 operational satellites on orbit providing global coverage and increased performance of the GPS services to users worldwide.

"The 45th Space Wing and its mission partners have again accomplished another major milestone in our national quest to improve and maintain our space capabilities," said Col. Stephen Butler, 45th Space Wing vice commander. "The GPS constellation has worldwide significance and all of the satellites are launched from right here at the world's premier gateway to space."

GPS is the world's foremost space-based positioning and navigation system. Endeavors such as mapping, aerial refueling, rendezvous operations, geodetic surveying and search and rescue operations have all benefited from GPS's accuracy.

"GPS is not only a military asset, but a national asset due to its civil applications," said Capt. Bill Bakker, GPS IIR field program manager, 45th Launch Support Squadron. "This mission is vital to the sustainment of our GPS constellation. Our team takes a great deal of satisfaction and pride in replenishing a constellation that is so critical to our warfighters."

Source: US Air Force press release

The Lockheed Martin press release is reproduced below:

4th MODERNIZED GPS SATELLITE BUILT BY LOCKHEED MARTIN LAUNCHED SUCCESSFULLY

CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla., October 17th, 2007 -- A U.S. Air Force modernized Global Positioning System Block IIR (GPS IIR-M) satellite, designed and built by Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT], was launched successfully today from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station aboard a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Delta II launch vehicle.

Designated GPS IIR-17M, the satellite is the fourth in a series of eight Block IIR-M spacecraft that Lockheed Martin Navigation Systems has modernized for its customer, the Global Positioning Systems Wing, Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif. The Block IIR-M series includes new features that enhance operations and navigation signal performance for military and civilian GPS users around the globe.

"Lockheed Martin is extremely proud of its partnership with the Air Force to sustain and improve the GPS constellation," said Don DeGryse, Lockheed Martin's vice president of Navigation Systems. "We look forward to executing a timely and efficient on-orbit checkout of this advanced spacecraft and providing GPS users worldwide with increased navigation capabilities."

Each IIR-M satellite includes a modernized antenna panel that provides increased signal power to receivers on the ground, two new military signals for improved accuracy, enhanced encryption and anti-jamming capabilities for the military, and a second civil signal that will provide users with an open access signal on a different frequency. The satellite launched today joins three IIR-M satellites and 12 other operational Block IIR satellites within the current 28-spacecraft constellation.

The Global Positioning System enables properly equipped users to determine precise time and velocity and worldwide latitude, longitude and altitude to within a few meters. Air Force Space Command's 2nd Space Operations Squadron (2 SOPS) at Schriever Air Force Base, Colo., manages and operates the GPS constellation for both civil and military users.

Lockheed Martin is also leading a team which includes ITT and General Dynamics in the competition to build the U.S. Air Force’s next-generation Global Positioning System, GPS Block III. The next-generation program will improve position, navigation, and timing services for the warfighter and civil users worldwide and provide advanced anti-jam capabilities yielding improved system security, accuracy and reliability.

A multi-billion dollar development contract is scheduled to be awarded by the Global Positioning Systems Wing, Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif. in early 2008.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2006 sales of $39.6 billion.

Source: Lockheed Martin Press Release

The US Air Force press release is reproduced below:

GPS operators unveil new early-orbit, anomaly resolution system

10/18/2007 - SCHRIEVER AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Operators with the 2nd and 19th Space Operations Squadrons here assumed control of the newest GPS satellite minutes after its Oct. 17 launch using a new Launch, Anomaly resolution and Disposal Operations system, or LADO.


Global Positioning System (GPS) Block IIR, supported by
the 2nd Space Operations Squadron at Schriever Air Force
Base, Colo.
(Credit: Lockheed-Martin)

The new, $65-million system means 2nd SOPS will take over satellite control authority on this and future GPS launches about two weeks more quickly than with previous satellites, said 2nd SOPS' Staff Sgt. David Findish.

"Where in the past we relied on (1st and 7th SOPS) to launch satellites and hand them over to us ... with LADO, we have greater ownership of the entire process," Sergeant Findish said. "We now have control of the satellite from the second it separates from the rocket until we dispose of it at the end of its life."

The upgrade to LADO comes on the heels of a recent upgrade of GPS' ground control system to the Architecture Evolution Plan.

"We've brought on a new GPS control segment, a new launch and early orbit control segment, and a new satellite in less than six weeks," said Lt. Col. Douglas Schiess, 2nd SOPS director of operations. "That is a huge accomplishment on its own, but our team did that while constantly providing the best navigation signal available to civilian and warfighter users. It's been an incredible team effort between 2nd SOPS, 19th SOPS, ground segment contractors and satellite contractors."

Nineteenth SOPS is a Reserve associate unit to 2nd SOPS, and many of its operators have several years of experience with the GPS constellation.

"Our folks have an incredible amount of credibility with their years of space experience in both their civilian and military positions," said Lt. Col. Traci Kueker-Murphy, 19th SOPS' operations officer. "It epitomizes what the citizen Airmen can bring to the table."

"We couldn't have done this without our reserve partners," said 50th Operations Group commander Col. Clinton Crosier. "They were absolutely essential to the transition's success."

In previous launches, 1st SOPS and its Reserve associate unit, 7th SOPS, provided launch and early orbit support through the legacy Command-and-Control System. Early orbit support operations for recent launches have taken approximately 14 days, at which point 1st SOPS relinquished satellite control authority to 2nd SOPS.

As its name implies, LADO also provides GPS operators with the ability to handle end-of-life disposal and anomaly resolution in house. GPS operators typically have handled routine anomalies, but LADO will also allow them to handle major anomalies such as a tumbling satellite. This allows LADO operators to concentrate on fixing the anomaly alongside analysts and contractors while other 2nd SOPS operators maintain the rest of the constellation, said 2nd Lt. Robert Dover of 2nd SOPS.

With an aggressive launch schedule planned out, LADO personnel will be busy both launching new satellites and maneuvering old ones into disposal orbits, Lieutenant Dover said. The new satellites will give deployed warfighters assured access to an accurate and stable navigation signal.

(Information compiled from the 2nd and 19th Space Operations squadrons and staff reports.)

Source: US Air Force press release

Delta II is poised to launch the GPS IIR-18 (M) satellite for the U.S. Air Force on Dec. 20 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., with a launch window of 2:59 – 3:13 p.m. EST. If the launch slips, the next attempt is set for Dec. 21, 2:55 – 3:09 p.m. EST. Global Positioning System (GPS) is a space-based radio-positioning system nominally consisting of a minimum of 24-satellite constellation that provides navigation and timing information to military and civilian users worldwide.

Source: United Launch Alliance

Cape Canaveral, Fla., (Dec. 20, 2007) – United Launch Alliance successfully launched a Delta II expendable launch vehicle today from Space Launch Complex 17-A at 3:04 p.m., EST carrying the Air Force’s GPS IIR-18(M) satellite. This launch marks the fifth mission for the Air Force this year and the 13th and final mission for ULA in 2007.

Following a nominal 1 hour and 8 minute flight, the rocket deployed the GPS IIR-18(M) spacecraft, the fifth modernized NAVSTAR Global Positioning System Block II R-M military navigation satellite. GPS is a space-based radio-positioning system nominally consisting of a minimum of 24-satellite constellation that provides navigation and timing information to military and civilian users worldwide.



"With the launch of GPS IIR-18(M), ULA completes a tremendously successful first year of operation and demonstrates its commitment to 100 percent mission success," said Mark Wilkins, vice president of Delta Programs. "As we continue to provide safe, cost-effective, reliable access to space, we are privileged to serve an important role in critical missions, such as GPS, which are force multipliers for our men and women in uniform serving our country throughout the world."

Designed to operate for 10 years, GPS satellites orbit the Earth every 12 hours, emitting continuous navigation signals. With the proper equipment, users can receive these signals to calculate time, location and velocity. In addition to its military use, GPS satellites provide directional assistance to civilian users around the world.

The ULA Delta II 7925-9.5 configuration vehicle featured an ULA first stage booster powered by a Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne RS-27A main engine and nine Alliant Techsystems (ATK) strap-on solid rocket motors. An Aerojet AJ10-118K engine powered the second stage. A spin-stabilized Star-48B solid-rocket motor built by ATK boosted the third stage. The payload was encased by a 9.5-foot-diameter metallic payload fairing.

ULA began processing the Delta II launch vehicle in Decatur, Ala., nearly two years ago. In August 2007, the first stage arrived at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station from Decatur, followed by the second stage Sept. 19. The vehicle was erected on the stand at Pad 17-A, Nov. 5, with solid rocket motor installation completed by mid-November. Hundreds of ULA technicians, engineers and management worked to prepare the vehicle for the GPS IIR-18(M) mission.

Next year ULA currently has 23 scheduled launches on the manifest from six launch complexes, which include 16 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., and seven from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.

ULA program management, engineering, test and mission support functions are headquartered in Denver, Colo., supported by transition employees in Huntington Beach, Calif. Manufacturing, assembly and integration operations are located at Decatur, Ala., Harlingen, Texas, San Diego, Calif., and Denver, Colo. Launch operations are located at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., and Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.

For more information on the ULA joint venture call the ULA Launch Hotline at 1-877-ULA-4321 (852-4321).



Source: United Launch Alliance

The US Air Force press release is reproduced below:

Delta II with GPS payload successfully launches

12/21/2007 - CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla. (AFPN) -- Air Force space technicians successfully launched a United Launch Alliance Delta II booster Dec. 21 carrying the fifth modernized NAVSTAR Global Positioning System satellite into space. The NAVSTAR GPS was launched at 3:04 p.m. EST from Space Launch Complex 17A here.


A Delta II rocket carrying a Global Positioning System satellite successfully
launches Dec. 21 from Space Launch Complex 17A at Cape Canaveral Air
Force Station, Fla. The satellite will join the constellation of on-orbit satellites
providing global coverage and increased performance of the GPS services
to users worldwide. (Courtesy photo/Carleton Bailie)

The satellite will join the constellation of on-orbit satellites providing global coverage and increased performance of the GPS services to users worldwide. The modernized series delivers increased signal power to receivers on the ground, two new military signals for improved accuracy, enhanced encryption and anti-jamming capabilities for the military, and a second civil signal to provide users with an open access signal on a different frequency.

"Today's launch moves us another step closer to modernizing the vital GPS constellation, which provides combat effects our warfighters depend on," said Brig. Gen. Susan Helms, 45th Space Wing commander.

GPS is the world's foremost space-based positioning and navigation system. Endeavors such as mapping, aerial refueling, rendezvous operations, geodetic surveying and search and rescue operations all have benefited from GPS's accuracy.

The GPS constellation provides critical situational awareness and precision weapon guidance for the military and supports a wide range of civil, scientific and commercial functions -- from air traffic control to the Internet -- with precision location and timing information. Every satellite in the constellation was launched from here.

"The Global Positioning System has become an integral part of all of our lives -- for the members supporting the Global War on Terror and their families who support them," said Tech. Sgt. Will McCormick, a Delta II electrical engineering assistant with the 1st Space Launch Squadron. "It is truly an honor to play even a small part in providing this capability."

Source: US Air Force press release

Why is the life expectancy of the GPS satellites only 10 years, is it an orbit related problem or a maintenance issue?

Delta II is scheduled to launch the Air Force’s Global Positioning System (GPS) IIR-19 (M) satellite on March 15 from Space Launch Complex-17A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., with a launch window of 2:09-2:23 a.m. EDT. If the launch slips, the next launch attempt is set for March 16, 2:05 – 2:19 a.m. EDT. GPS is a space-based radio-positioning system consisting of a minimum of 24-satellite constellation that provides navigation and timing information to military and civilian users worldwide.

Check out the Launch Info page for more information.

GO Delta II! GO GPS IIR-19 (M)!.

Source: United Launch Alliance

Cape Canaveral, Fla., (March 15, 2008) – United Launch Alliance successfully launched a Delta II expendable launch vehicle today from Space Launch Complex 17-A at 2:09 a.m., EDT carrying the Air Force’s GPS IIR-19(M) satellite. This launch marks the first mission for the Air Force from the cape in 2008.

Following a nominal 1 hour and 8 minute flight, the rocket deployed the GPS IIR-19(M) spacecraft, the sixth modernized NAVSTAR Global Positioning System Block II R-M military navigation satellite. GPS is a space-based radio-positioning system nominally consisting of a minimum of 24-satellite constellation that provides navigation and timing information to military and civilian users worldwide.

“A tremendous amount of credit goes to our combined Air Force-ULA team as we continue successfully launching the GPS series,” said Rick Navarro, Director, Delta II Programs. “By providing safe, cost-effective, reliable access to space, we are privileged to serve a critical role in missions, such as GPS, which are force multipliers for our men and women in uniform serving our country throughout the world.”

Designed to operate for 10 years, GPS satellites orbit the Earth every 12 hours, emitting continuous navigation signals. With the proper equipment, users can receive these signals to calculate time, location and velocity. In addition to its military use, GPS satellites provide directional assistance to civilian users around the world.

The ULA Delta II 7925-9.5 configuration vehicle featured an ULA first stage booster powered by a Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne RS-27A main engine and nine Alliant Techsystems (ATK) strap-on solid rocket motors. An Aerojet AJ10-118K engine powered the second stage. A spin-stabilized Star-48B solid-rocket motor built by ATK boosted the third stage. The payload was encased by a 9.5-foot-diameter metallic payload fairing.



ULA began processing the Delta II launch vehicle in Decatur, Ala., nearly two years ago. In November 2007 the first stage arrived at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station from Decatur, followed by the second stage in late December. The vehicle was erected on the stand at Pad 17-A, Feb. 8, with solid rocket motor installation completed by mid-February. Hundreds of ULA technicians, engineers and management worked to prepare the vehicle for the GPS IIR-19(M) mission.

ULA’s next launch is the ICO G1 mission for ICO Global Communications scheduled for April 14 aboard an Atlas V from SLC-41 here with a launch window of 4:12 – 5:12 p.m. EDT.

ULA program management, engineering, test and mission support functions are headquartered in Denver, Colo., supported by transition employees in Huntington Beach, Calif. Manufacturing, assembly and integration operations are located at Decatur, Ala., Harlingen, Texas, San Diego, Calif., and Denver, Colo. Launch operations are located at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., and Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.

For more information on the ULA joint venture call the ULA Launch Hotline at 1-877-ULA-4321 (852-4321).

GO Delta II! GO GPS IIR-19 (M)!

Source: United Launch Alliance

The Lockheed Martin press release is reproduced below:

6th Modernized GPS Satellite Built by Lockheed Martin Successfully Launched From Cape Canaveral

CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla., March 15th, 2008 --

A U.S. Air Force modernized Global Positioning System Block IIR (GPS IIR-M) satellite, built by Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT), was successfully launched today from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station aboard a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Delta II launch vehicle.

The satellite, designated GPS IIR-19M, is the sixth in a line of eight GPS IIR satellites that Lockheed Martin Navigation Systems, Valley Forge, Pa. has modernized for its customer, the Global Positioning Systems Wing, Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif.

Today's mission represented the third successful launch of a GPS IIR-M satellite in under five months and is one of the final three Block IIR-M satellites planned for launch in 2008 to sustain and improve the GPS constellation.

Each IIR-M satellite includes a modernized antenna panel that provides increased signal power to receivers on the ground, two new military signals for improved accuracy, enhanced encryption and anti-jamming capabilities for the military, and a second civil signal that will provide users with an open access signal on a different frequency.

"All of us at Lockheed Martin are proud of our long-standing partnership with the Air Force and the Block IIR-M's impressive record of performance," said Don DeGryse, Lockheed Martin's vice president of Navigation Systems. "We look forward to conducting another timely and efficient on-orbit checkout so that the warfighter and civil users around the globe can benefit from this satellite's advanced navigational capabilities as quickly as possible."

The GPS constellation provides critical situational awareness and precision weapon guidance for the military and supports a wide range of civil, scientific and commercial functions -- from air traffic control to the Internet -- with precision location and timing information.

Lockheed Martin and its navigation payload provider ITT of Clifton, N.J. designed and built 21 IIR spacecraft and subsequently modernized eight of those spacecraft designated Block IIR-M for the Air Force. The final satellite, which includes a new demonstration payload that will provide a temporary on-orbit demonstration for the new civil signal, known as L5, has just completed final integration testing and is on track for shipment to Cape Canaveral next month in preparation for launch in June.

The Global Positioning System enables properly equipped users to determine precise time and velocity and worldwide latitude, longitude and altitude to within a few meters. Air Force Space Command's 2nd Space Operations Squadron (2SOPS), based at Schriever Air Force Base, Colo., manages and operates the GPS constellation for both civil and military users.

Lockheed Martin is also leading a team which includes ITT and General Dynamics in the competition to build the U.S. Air Force's next-generation Global Positioning System, GPS Block III. The
next-generation program will improve position, navigation, and timing services for the warfighter and civil users worldwide and provide advanced anti-jam capabilities yielding improved system security, accuracy and reliability.

A multi-billion dollar development contract is scheduled to be awarded by the Global Positioning Systems Wing, Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif. in early 2008.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation reported 2007 sales of $41.9 billion.

Media Contact: Steve Tatum, 408-742-7531; e-mail,
Stephen.o.tatum@lmco.com

Source: Lockheed Martin Press Release