Airmen upgrade GPS constellation: "Airmen from the 2nd Space Operations Squadron and from the 19th SOPS took control of the Air Force's newest GPS satellite following its launch into orbit May 28 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.
The GPS IIF SV-1 satellite represents a substantial upgrade for the GPS constellation. Thanks to improvements with the cesium-based atomic clocks used for timing, the satellite is expected to provide more accurate navigation signals than those of its predecessors.
The new IIF satellite also will broadcast two new signals: a jam resistant military code signal and a third civil signal known as the L5.
This latest addition is part of an ongoing modernization effort for the GPS constellation by Air Force officials.
'We're continuously replacing satellites in the constellation to ensure GPS remains the world's gold standard for position, timing and navigation,' said Lt. Col. Mike Manor, the 2nd SOPS director of operations. '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.'
With the addition of the IIF SV-1, the GPS constellation now consists of 31 operational satellites. The idea is to keep newer satellites covering the primary slots. As the older satellites age, Air Force operators will move them out of the constellation and replace those primary slots with new vehicles."
