The U.S. Air Force is scheduled to launch the last in the series of eight modernized Global Positioning System (GPS) IIR-M satellite aboard the last Air Force procured United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket August 17 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.

The launch window opens at 6:35 a.m. EDT, and will remain open for 14 minutes.

"The Delta II and GPS programs are ready for the final Air Force Delta II launch, which will be our second GPS mission this year," said Mr. John Wagner, Mission Director for the launch and Chief Technical Director for the Launch and Range Systems Wing. "I am honored to lead such a talented and dedicated team of launch and satellite professionals in this last launch of the Delta II rocket for the Air Force."

Built by Lockheed Martin, the satellite offers features to include improved accuracy, enhanced encryption, anti-jamming capabilities and a second civil signal to provide dual frequency capability and improve resistance to interference. "The GPS IIR/IIR-M satellites are the cornerstone of the GPS constellation, there performance have been exceptional and we expect them to be operational well into the future," said Col. Dave Madden, Commander, Space and Missile Systems Center's Global Positioning Systems Wing.

Lockheed Martin and the Delta II program have played an imperative role ensuring users worldwide continue to receive improved GPS services. The GPS constellation has the most satellites and the greatest capability ever. Currently there are 30 operational satellites broadcasting worldwide, every day, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The Air Force remains committed to providing uninterrupted positioning, navigation, and timing service to users around the globe.

""I'm proud of the close teamwork between the acquisition and operations arms of Air Force Space Command and our industry partner, mission success is always their number one focus. GPS has revolutionized positioning, navigation and timing to change the world and how we do things in our daily lives. The GPS IIR-21 (M) launch marks a critical milestone in the GPS modernization program initiated in early 2000. The United States Air Force and Air Force Space Command have been the diligent stewards of GPS since its conception in the 1970's and continues its commitment to this critical component of our national infrastructure ," said Col. Dave Madden, Commander, Space and Missile Systems Center's Global Positioning Systems Wing.

The Air Force Space Command's Space and Missile Systems Center, located at Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., is the U.S. Air Force's center of acquisition excellence for acquiring and developing military space systems including six wings and three groups responsible for GPS, military satellite communications, defense meteorological satellites, space launch and range systems, satellite control network, space based infrared systems, intercontinental ballistic missile systems and space situational awareness capabilities.

(From:http://www.insidegnss.com/node/1630#Baseband_Technologies_Inc)