On its way: A Delta II rocket heads toward orbit today from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Michael R. Brown, FLORIDA TODAY
Engineers heard word of confirmation of separation of the Delta II GPS rocket that launched at 8:23 a.m. and its spacecraft, a GPS satellite. Separation was expected some 68 minutes after a launch from Complex 17A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.
A tracking station in Hawaii confirmed separation and acquistion of the signal.
Within two weeks, the most advanced Global Satellite Positioning satellite will be operational, giving improved signals to military and civilian GPS units, which likely number in the millions.
After launching from Complex 17A on a Delta 2 rocket with nine strap-on solid rocket boosters, the satellite, built for the U.S. Air Force, will enter an orbit 11,000 miles above the earth.
The GPS IIR-17 will be the 77th consecutive Delta 2 rocket to deliver its payload. At least 25 Delta 2 rockets remain to fly during the next few years.
No comments:
Post a Comment