The last of eight GPS IIR-M satellites, modernised for the US Air Force by Lockheed Martin, is all set for lift-off on 17 August 2009 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.
The spacecraft, designated GPS IIR-21(M), will complete the IR and IIR-M series of satellites for the global positioning systems wing of the Space and Missile Systems Centre.
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The modernised satellite will deliver increased signal power to receivers on the ground and two new military signals to improve accuracy, improved encryption and anti-jamming capabilities.
The satellite will also supply a second civil signal that will provide users with an open access signal on a different frequency.
US Air Force GPS wing commander Col. Dave Madden said the GPS IIR 21 has completed its launch readiness review and is ready for flight.
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The GPS II constellation of 21 satellites where originally built by Lockheed Martin.
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By GlobalDataThe satellite will be followed by its next generation system, the GPS IIIA that will ready for launch in 2014.
