Third GPS-IIF satellite operational

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EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Dec. 6 (UPI) -- Boeing reports its third GPS IIF satellite is in orbit and part of the active 31-satellite GPS constellation for U.S. military and civilian users.

The GPS IIF-3, designated SVN-65, was launched in October and is operated by the U.S. Air Force's 50th Space Wing's 2nd Space Operations Squadron in Colorado.

"We completed the checkout and validation of SVN-65 in 22 days instead of the scheduled 30," said Col. Bernie Gruber, director of the Space and Missile Systems Center's Global Positioning Systems Directorate.

"The smooth transition to operations is reflective of the solid teamwork on the part of the joint Boeing and Air Force Mission Operations team as well as a healthy satellite.

"Following the handover, orbital maneuvers were completed to position SVN-65 in its final location and the satellite has been set to healthy."

The satellite joins Boeing GPS IIFs launched in 2010 and 2011. Together they enhance the capabilities of the GPS constellation to defeat jamming attempts and provide greater navigational accuracy.

Boeing is providing a dozen GPS IIFs to the Air Force.