The US Air Force Space Command’s Global Positioning Systems Wing has announced that the first GPS IIF satellite has arrived on station.

It has reached its designated orbital position and is now ready for the final phase of on-orbit checkout and testing, which will be completed before September 2010.

The satellite will then be cleared to serve navigation and timing users as part of the operational GPS constellation.

A next-generation satellite, the GPS IIF will provide improved accuracy through advanced atomic clocks, a longer design life and a new operational L5 civil signal.

It will provide improved signals that will enhance the precise global positioning, navigation and timing services supporting warfighters.