The Global Positioning System (GPS) constellation is the most robust and capable system in the history of space. Space Vehicle Number (SVN) 23 is a testament to how the Air Force continues to meet and exceed its operational requirements with GPS.
GPS Block IIA-10 (SVN-23), built by Boeing (formerly Rockwell Corporation), was launched on 26 November 1990 and set healthy to navigation and timing users on 10 December 1990. The satellite was the first in the series of GPS IIA satellites to be launched with a design life of 7.5 years. To-date the satellite has operated longer than any other satellite and predicted to last another 12-18 months. “Boeing has a solid history of delivering satellites that live beyond their contractual lives,” said Craig Cooning, vice president and general manager of Boeing Space and Intelligence Systems. “The same commitment that was evident with the first GPS IIA satellite in 1990 lives on in Boeing’s newest GPS satellite, GPS IIF. The first of
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