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Rocket launch to bolster GPS satellite constellation BY JUSTIN RAY SPACEFLIGHT NOW Posted: December 16, 2003 A replacement satellite ascends into space this weekend to strengthen the U.S. military's Global Positioning System -- a constellation of orbiting spacecraft that guides planes, ships, troops and precision weaponry.
The day's available launch window extends a quarter-hour to 3:05 a.m. EST (0805 GMT). The three-stage Delta 7925-configuration launcher will deploy the satellite into a preliminary orbit around Earth with a high point of 11,000 nautical miles, low point of 100 miles and inclination of 39.0 degrees. The Lockheed Martin-built satellite will circularize its orbit and raise the inclination to 55 degrees to join the GPS constellation in the days following liftoff. The $45 million craft will fill the Plane E, Slot 2 position in the GPS network. After on-orbit testing, GPS 2R-10, also known as SVN-47, is expected to enter service in the first-half of January.
The GPS network features 24 primary satellites split into six orbital planes with four spacecraft in each. Some planes also have additional satellites to enhance coverage and serve as backups. Today, the orbiting system has 28 craft that are operating, the Air Force says. GPS satellites send continuous navigation signals that allow users around the world to find their position in latitude, longitude and altitude and determine time. The signals are so accurate that time can be figured to less than a millionth of a second, velocity to within a fraction of a mile per hour and location to within a few feet. Sunday's launch will be the 10th of 21 planned in the Lockheed Martin-built GPS 2R series. Four more are slated in 2004 to continue replacing aging satellites in the network.
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Flight Data File Vehicle: Delta 2 (7925-9.5) Payload: GPS 2R-10 Launch date: Dec. 21, 2003 Launch window: 2:50-3:05 a.m. EST (0750-0805 GMT) Launch site: SLC-17A, Cape Canaveral, Florida Satellite broadcast: AMC 9, Transponder 4, C-band  Pre-launch briefing Mission preview - Our story providing an overview of this launch. Weather forecast - The latest forecast for launch day conditions. Launch timeline - Chart with times and descriptions of events to occur during the launch. Ground track - See the trajectory the rocket will follow during its flight. Global Positioning System - Description of the U.S. Air Force's space-based navigation network. Delta 2 rocket - Overview of the Delta 2 7925-model rocket used to launch GPS satellites. SLC-17 - The launch complex where Delta rockets fly from Cape Canaveral. Delta directory - See our coverage of previous Delta rocket flights. Apollo 12 tribute DVD set  New! Featuring the jovial crew of Pete Conrad, Dick Gordon and Alan Bean, the Apollo 12 mission was struck by lightning shortly after liftoff but proceeded on the second successful exploration voyage to the lunar surface. This three-disc DVD brings the mission to life with extraordinary detail.  Choose your store:U.S. - U.K. - E.U. - Worldwide Fallen Heroes special patch  This special 12-inch embroidered patch commemorates the U.S. astronauts who made the ultimate sacrifice, honoring the crews of Apollo 1, Challenger and Columbia.Choose your store:U.S. - U.K. - E.U. - Worldwide Women in Space  Women of Space: Cool Careers on the Final Frontier is for girls, young women, and anyone else interested in learning about exciting careers in space exploration. Includes CD-ROM.Choose your store:U.S. - U.K. - E.U. - Worldwide Mars rover poster  This new poster features some of the best pictures from NASA's amazing Mars Exploration Rovers Spirit and Opportunity.Choose your store:U.S. Current Shuttle Mission Patch  The official embroidered patch for shuttle Atlantis' flight to deliver critical spare equipment to the space station.U.S. STOREWORLDWIDE STOREAres 1-X Patch  The official embroidered patch for the Ares 1-X rocket test flight, is available for purchase.U.S. STOREWORLDWIDE STOREApollo Collage  This beautiful one piece set features the Apollo program emblem surrounded by the individual mission logos.U.S. STOREWORLDWIDE STORE Project Orion  The Orion crew exploration vehicle is NASA's first new human spacecraft developed since the space shuttle a quarter-century earlier. The capsule is one of the key elements of returning astronauts to the Moon.U.S. STOREFallen Heroes Patch Collection  The official patches from Apollo 1, the shuttle Challenger and Columbia crews are available in the store.U.S. STOREWORLDWIDE STOREGet e-mail updates Sign up for our NewsAlert service and have the latest news in astronomy and space e-mailed direct to your desktop (privacy note: your e-mail address will not be used for any other purpose).
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