The Air Force launched the newest navigational satellite into orbit Wednesday, one of the last few updates to the fleet before the next generation of technology comes online.
The GPS satellite, launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida, is the 10th Block IIF satellite built by Boeing and launched by the Air Force. It will join about 30 other satellites already in orbit.
"Today's successful launch is a testament to the outstanding teamwork of government and industry partners' commitment to mission success," Lt. Gen. Samuel Greaves, commander of the Space and Missile Systems Center, said. "The GPS IIF satellites are critical for GPS constellation global service for years to come."
"We are sustaining and modernizing the world's greatest space-based, precise positioning, navigation and timing service," Greaves added.
The launch is one of the last planned with the current generation of GPS technology. Starting in 2017, the Air Force plans to operate newer GPS III satellites with increased bandwidth and system strength, and easier integration with existing European navigational networks.
The GPS IIF satellite was sent into orbit Wednesday aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, the Air Force said.
Though the first GPS satellite launched in 1978, the worldwide navigational system wasn't considered fully operational until 1995. The Air Force noted that makes 2015 the 20th anniversary of the technology that has aided not only the military, but hundreds of millions of civilians as well.
