A Boeing Delta II rocket successfully deployed two satellites today for the U.S. Air Force. GPS IIR-8, a satellite for the Air Force Global Positioning System, and XSS-10, a demonstration satellite for the Air Force Research Laboratory, were launched aboard a Delta II 7925-9.5 vehicle.
The rocket lifted off at 1:06 p.m. EST from Space Launch Complex 17B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. The mission was completed in just over an hour.
Since its first military use in Operation Desert Storm, GPS has increased its use for warfighters. The system is operated by the U.S. Air Force Space Command.
“We are proud to continue our support of the GPS program and the expanded role it has taken in supporting our national security,” said Jay Witzling, vice president and Delta deputy program manager. “We also look forward to hearing about the progress in satellite technology with the demonstration of XSS-10.”
XSS-10 is a demonstration spacecraft that will test various functions of the micro-satellite as well as conduct a visual inspection of the Delta II second stage. The Air Force Research Laboratory will use the data for future satellite development.
The next Delta launch is the Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS) III A3 mission in February aboard a Delta IV Medium vehicle from the Cape.
It is the first mission for the Air Force’s Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle program.
