GPS IIF-1 Launch - Encore!

On 27 May 2010, a Delta IV rocket carried the GPS IIF-1 satellite into orbit.  Matt has been highly involved with this launch - his job at Cape Canaveral has been leading the team that prepares this satellite for launch.  So a pretty cool culmination - Matt worked with the team for a year and a half to get ready, receive, and process the satellite for launch.  Check out the launch pics below (and don't miss the video at the end)!  

Delta IV Rocket on the stand - at Space Launch Complex 34 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station

Seconds Before Liftoff

Liftoff!

Time-Lapse

This is the Ground Track of the GPS IIF-1 Satellite - the satellite separated from the rocket over Indonesia about 3.5 hrs after launch

I also decided to throw in some additional photos for background:

A Pictoral of the GPS constellation - not completely accurate, but you get the picture.  The GPS constellation has over 30 operational satellites on orbit that provide extremely precise timing signals for global coverage.  These timing signals enable any user (almost) anywhere on the globe to determine their location (think triangulation, its basically the same concept).

GPS IIF-1 Processing at the Factory in El Segundo (LA), CA

At the Factory

GPS satellites are produced in blocks (purchased via government contracts from Boeing or Lockheed, depending on the block).  There were I, II, IIA, IIR, and now we're on block IIF.  Currently, there are IIA, IIR, and now one IIF on orbit.

GPS IIA - The Oldest GPS Satellites On Orbit (12 satelites launched)

GPS IIR - The Next Block of GPS Satellites (21 launched)

GPS IIF - The Current Block of Satellites (12 on contract, 1 launched so far)

GPS IIIA - The Future Block of Satellites (36 on contract - Won't launch for a few more years yet)

All of the previous GPS satellites have been launched on the Delta II rocket (shown above).  This GPS launch - and all future - will be aboard the Delta IV and Atlas V rockets - much bigger than the Delta II.  But the above is what the old launches used to look like!

A way cool video of the GPS IIF-1 launch - worth watching!