A Boeing GPS satellite launched Friday morning aboard a Delta IV rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.
GPS IIF-6 will work to facilitate real-time transfer of position, timing and navigation data globally for commercial, scientific and civil use, the Air Force said Friday.
Craig Cooning, vice president and general manager for Boeing’s space and intelligence systems business, said the company’s next satellite for the Air Force is scheduled to lift off in the third quarter of 2014.
“As a prime contractor on the GPS program since the first launch in 1978, our experience with these complex and critically important spacecraft spans nearly 40 years and now covers 44 satellites delivered into orbit with continuing mission support,” Cooning added.
The Air Force’s GPS satellites work to provide users with information necessary to accomplish activities such as energy distribution, environmental research and surveying.