Sunday, March 18, 2012

GPS Satellite Launch Scheduled for Friday

766px-Navstar-2FFriday’s planned launch of the seventh of 12 new GPS satellites is looking good, according to Florida Today. The United Launch Alliance (ULA) has planned the departure for 11:23 p.m. from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The 189-foot Atlas V will be carrying a GPS IIF-7 satellite, the third of four scheduled for launch this year. This new block of satellites are interim are designed to improve accuracy, greater performance and increased signals for users until the newer GPS IIIA satellites are ready for launch.

The launch will come just four days after the ULA’s successful Monday evening flight of the Delta IV rocket with military surveillance satellites. That launch was attempted five times before success, due to inclement weather. However, the weather forecast for Friday’s launch estimates a 70 percent chance of favorable weather during the 18 minute window. To watch live streaming of the launch and check for updates on Friday, check out this website.

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