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Rocket blasts into space carrying Air Force GPS satellite
A Boeing Delta 2 rocket roared from its seaside launch pad Saturday, carrying into orbit a $45 million Air Force Global Positioning System satellite. The Lockheed Martin-built satellite joins a working constellation of 27 others already in orbit. The satellites are arranged along six different planes in circular mid-earth orbits nearly 11,000 nautical miles above the earth. This newest satellite will replace an aging one that is nearing the end of its useful life. It is one of a group of advanced GPS satellites that provide more accurate signals than their predecessors. The new unit, which is to begin service in mid-April, has a life expectancy of 10 years. The mission was dedicated to the late Dr. Ivan A. Getting, who is considered the father of the GPS system. A small metal plate on the satellite bears a message honoring Getting.
Posted by: Steve White 2004-03-21 |
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