A Delta II Stage 1 Rocket Body that was launched in October 2007 from Cape Canaveral, for the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) NAVSTAR GPS 2R-17 (M4) mission, is predicted to re-enter the Earths atmosphere on 17th April 2008.
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. 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
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 modernised 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
After a flawless launch and a 68-minute ride to orbit Wednesday, the newest Global Positioning System satellite is aloft and will soon be transmitting signals. In two weeks, it will be able to send improved navigation signals to military and civilian GPS units, which are estimated to number 1 billion worldwide.