Air Force Launches New GPS Satellite (Photos)

By Space.com Staff
published

GPS IIF-3 Satellite Encapsulated Closeup

United Launch Alliance

The U.S. Air Force's GPS IIF-3 satellite, encapsulated inside its 4-meter diameter payload fairing, is mated to a United Launch Alliance Delta 4 launch vehicle.

GPS IIF-3 Satellite Inside Delta 4

United Launch Alliance

The U.S. Air Force's third Global Positioning System IIF series (GPS IIF-3) satellite is encapsulated inside its United Launch Alliance Delta 4 4-meter diameter payload fairing.

GPS IIF-3 Satellite Closeup

United Launch Alliance

The U.S. Air Force's third Global Positioning System IIF series (GPS IIF-3) satellite is encapsulated inside its United Launch Alliance Delta IV 4-meter diameter payload fairing.

GPS IIF-3 Satellite Encapsulated Up Close

United Launch Alliance

The U.S. Air Force's third Global Positioning System IIF series (GPS IIF-3) satellite is encapsulated inside its United Launch Alliance Delta 4 4-meter diameter payload fairing.

GPS IIF-3 Satellite Encapsulated

United Launch Alliance

The U.S. Air Force's third Global Positioning System IIF series (GPS IIF-3) satellite is encapsulated inside its United Launch Alliance Delta IV 4-meter diameter payload fairing.

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Space.com Staff
Space.com Staff
News and editorial team

Space.com is the premier source of space exploration, innovation and astronomy news, chronicling (and celebrating) humanity's ongoing expansion across the final frontier. Originally founded in 1999, Space.com is, and always has been, the passion of writers and editors who are space fans and also trained journalists. Our current news team consists of Editor-in-Chief Tariq Malik; Editor Hanneke Weitering, Senior Space Writer Mike Wall; Senior Writer Meghan Bartels; Senior Writer Chelsea Gohd, Senior Writer Tereza Pultarova and Staff Writer Alexander Cox, focusing on e-commerce. Senior Producer Steve Spaleta oversees our space videos, with Diana Whitcroft as our Social Media Editor.