The U.S. Air Force successfully launched the last in the series of eight modernized Global Positioning System (GPS) IIR satellites carried aboard the last of the Air Force’s United Launch Alliance Delta II Rocket at 6:35 a.m. EDT August 17 from Space Launch Complex 17A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.
The GPS IIR-21(M) launch is the Space and Missile Systems Center’s 62nd consecutive launch success, and the fifth for the Launch and Range Systems Wing in 2009.
“This morning’s successful launch of GPS IIR-21(M) was the direct result of a focused Delta II and GPS team executing a textbook launch campaign,” said Mr. John Wagner, Mission Director for the launch and Chief Technical Director for the Launch and Range Systems Wing. “Congratulations to the United Launch Alliance, Lockheed Martin and our entire Air Force team on a job well done. This launch marks the fifth mission in a busy year for the Launch and Range Systems Wing, delivering critical sp
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