The US Air Force’s 2nd and 19th Space Operations Squadron (SOPS) has taken control of the GPS IIF SV-1 satellite, following its launch on May 28.

Upgraded with caesium-based atomic clocks, the satellite will provide more accurate navigation signals compared to its predecessors.

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It will also broadcast two new signals, a jam resistant military code signal and a third civil signal known as the L5.

The 2nd SOPS director of operations Lt. Col. Mike Manor said the GPS constellation is made up of 24 slots in space surrounding the earth where we place our satellites.

“This slot scheme and satellite placement ensures GPS users receive the most accurate navigation data at any time, at any place around the entire globe,” he said.

With the launch of IIF SV-1, the GPS constellation now includes 31 operational satellites.

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