Air Force launches Delta II/GPS Mission

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CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla. (AFPN) --  The Air Force successfully launched a Delta II booster from Cape Canveral, Fla., Nov. 17.

The joint government and industry launch was carrying the NAVSTAR Global Positioning System satellite. This launch was led by the 45th Space Wing.

The satellite launched is the third of the modernized GPS satellites that incorporates various improvements that will provide greater accuracy, increased resistance to interference and enhanced performance for users.

It will become part of a system consisting of a 24-satellite constellation that provides continuous and precise navigation and timing information to military and civilian users worldwide.

"This success is another example of how the 45th Space Wing is at the leading edge of providing combat effects to our warfighters," said Brig. Gen. Susan Helms, 45th SW commander.

Capt. Greg Vice, of the 1st Space Launch Squadron, was the Air Force launch crew commander for the mission.

"Our launch team is tremendous," he said. "This was our third Delta II launch within seven weeks. Launching systems such as GPS is one of the many ways space operators contribute to the Global War on Terror."

The GPS is a space-based positioning and navigation system. Operations such as mapping, aerial refueling, rendezvous operations, geodetic surveying and, search and rescue operations have all benefited from GPS accuracy.