Air Force launches GPS satellite on Atlas V rocket

The Atlas V rocket will launch carrying a Global Positioning System IIF-10 satellite from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on Wednesday morning.

Made and launched by United Launch Alliance, the Atlas V has conducted 54 consecutive missions without failure since the rocket debuted in 2002. Wednesday’s launch was the 55th Atlas V rocket to blast off.

“Congratulations to the U.S Air Force and the entire mission team on today’s successful launch of the 10th Global Positioning System IIF satellite!”

Maps and directions provided by smart phones, cars and other devices may be the most popular civilian use of the technology, which provides highly accurate position, navigation and timing information around the world. The Boeing-built satellites’ signals also will be available for civilian use. The next satellite in the series is expected to launch no earlier than October 30, with the final to follow in February 2016.

The satellite will fly more than 12,000 miles up, joining a constellation with 31 active members orbiting in six planes.

The new arrival will allow a near 20-year-old satellite to settle into backup status.

All systems were performing as planned as the rocket’s Centaur upper stage completed its first of two engine burns and began a roughly three-hour coast. The 18-minute launch window opens at 11:36 a.m. EDT.

Launch Weather: 70 percent “go”.