NEXT SPACEFLIGHT

Status

Success

GPS-2F 6 (USA-251)

Launch Time
Sat May 17, 2014 00:03 UTC

Rocket

Delta IV Medium+ (4,2)
Image Credit: ULA
ULA
Status: Retired
Price: $164.0 million
Liftoff Thrust: 4,895 kN
Payload to LEO: 10,440 kg
Payload to GTO: 6,390 kg
Stages: 2
Strap-ons: 2
Rocket Height: 62.5 m
Fairing Diameter: 4.0 m
Fairing Height: 11.75 m

Mission Details

GPS-2F 6 (USA-251)

GPS-2F (Global Positioning System) or Navstar-2F (Navigation System using Timing And Ranging) satellites are the fourth evolution stage of the second generation of the GPS satellites. Improvements included an extended design life of 12 years, faster processors with more memory, and a new civil signal on a third frequency.

The GPS-2F satellites do not need to carry an apogee kick motor, in contrast to the earlier generations, as the launch vehicles provide direct insertion into the GPS orbit.

Boeing was contracted with options for up to 33 Block-IIF satellites in 1996, but in 2001 the contract was reduced 12 Block-IIF satellites. In July 2006, satellites 10, 11 and 12 were contracted. The first Block-IIF satellite was originally scheduled to launch in 2006, but was finally launched in 2010.

Payloads: 1
Total Mass: 1,630.0 kg
Medium Earth Orbit

Location

SLC-37B, Cape Canaveral SFS, Florida, USA

Stats

2014

27th orbital launch attempt

United Launch Alliance

82nd mission
5th mission of 2014
81st successful mission
77th consecutive successful mission

Delta IV Medium

19th mission
2nd mission of 2014
19th successful mission