Image Credit: Michael Howard - We Report SpaceCape Canaveral S.F.S., FL – At the end of the launch window, the SpaceX Falcon lit its’ 9 engines and lofted the GPS III-7 mission towards orbit. There was a bit of a wonder if this flight might take place in the given window as stormy weather surrounded the Space Coast with heavy rains and lightning, but the system moved out in time for this important mission to fly on the first window opportunity. Lift off came at 1:37 PM EDT from Launch Complex 40 sending the payload on a North-East trajectory.
Image Credit: Michael Howard - We Report SpaceThe GPS III-7 mission was originally scheduled to launch from ULA (United Launch Alliance) on SLC 41 aboard a Vulcan rocket. However, with the Vulcan rocket not being fully ready, the reliable workhorse Falcon 9 was used for this flight and it now appears as if the GPS III F-1 which was originally scheduled to fly on the Falcon Heavy, will be fitted atop the Vulcan at a later time.
Image Credit: Graham L Smith - We Report SpaceBuilt by Lockheed Martin, the satellite will be placed into a Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) the satellite will improve navigation, positioning for the civilian users as well as military users. Each of us uses the GPS system each and every day; these continued improvements enhance the lives of all of us.
New features include advanced “anti-jamming” capabilities for the military users providing increased security, reliability & accuracy.
When the entire GPS III constellation is deployed, updates will be able to initiated/completed by a single ground station
Image Credit- Michael Howard - We Report SpaceStory By: Graham Smith - We Report Space
Images By: Michael Howard and Graham Smith - We Report Space
Stunning, full color photo book covering every east coast launch spanning 2014-2015, including the first-ever powered landing of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
