The GPS-IIR replenishment satellites are produced by General Electric Astrospace (later Martin Marietta and Lockheed Missiles & Space) under a contract issued in 1989, which included 21 satellites based on the commercial AS-4000 bus. These provided improved navigation accuracy and longer autonomous satellite operation than earlier model GPS satellites. The satellites were three-axis stabilized and operated at downlink frequencies of 1572.42 MHz and 1227.6 MHz (L-Band) and 2227.5 MHz (S-Band). Lockheed was responsible for launch and flight operations support of the GPS-IIR through 2006.
Delta II is an American space launch system developed by McDonnell Douglas, now part of the Delta rocket family operated by United Launch Alliance. With more than 150 missions and a nearly perfect track record, Delta II has established itself as one of the most successful orbital launch systems.
When is the Delta II | GPS IIR-16(M) launch?
What rocket is being used for GPS IIR-16(M)?
Where is the Delta II | GPS IIR-16(M) launching from?
What orbit is GPS IIR-16(M) going to?
Who is launching GPS IIR-16(M)?
Can I watch the Delta II | GPS IIR-16(M) launch live?
Mission Profile
GPS IIR-16(M) was a Delta II 7925-9.5 mission operated by United States Air Force that lifted off from Space Launch Complex 17A, Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA on November 17, 2006. The flight carried its payload on a navigation mission to Medium Earth Orbit. It was flown as part of the Global Positioning System program. The launch was a success.