GPS IIF-6 Launch Delayed until Friday Night

May 14, 2014  - By
Image: GPS World

Update: The launch of the GPS IIF-6 satellite has been delayed one day due to bad weather.


Another GPS IIF satellite is expected to lift off aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta 4 rocket from Cape Canaveral at 8:08 p.m. EDT May 15 at the opening of an 18-minute launch window.

The satellite, designated GPS IIF-6 and built by Boeing, is one of the next-generation GPS satellites, incorporatingĀ  improvements to provide greater accuracy, increased signals, and enhanced performance for users. According to Boeing, each GPS IIF satellite has:

  • greater navigational accuracy through improvements in atomic clock technology.
  • a new civilian L5 signal to aid commercial aviation and search and rescue operations.
  • improved military signal and variable power for better resistance to jamming in hostile environments.
  • a 12-year design life providing long-term service and reduced operating costs.
  • an on-orbit, reprogrammable processor that can receive software uploads for improved system operation.

GPS IIF-6 will be the United Launch Allianceā€™s fifth launch of 2014 and 82nd overall. It also will mark the 26th flight of the Delta IV launch vehicle since its inaugural flight in November 2002.

ULA will provide a live webcast of the launch, beginning at 7:48 p.m. EDT. Also, those interested can hear updates to the launch countdown via phone, by dialing the ULA launch hotline at 1-877-852-4321, or join the conversation at www.facebook.com/ulalaunch and twitter.com/ulalaunch, hashtag #GPSIIF6.