SpaceX blasts off powerful GPS satellite for US military
By AFP
December 24, 2018
TAMPA: A SpaceX rocket on Sunday blasted off a powerful GPS satellite for the US Air Force, marking its 21st and final launch for the year 2018. “Three, two, one, zero. Ignition and liftoff,” said a SpaceX mission control operator as the white Falcon 9 rocket took off under sunny, blue skies at 8:51 am (1351 GMT) from Cape Canaveral, Florida. The launch sent the Global Positioning System III space vehicle (SV) satellite into space to join the Air Force’s constellation of 31 operational GPS satellites. It promises “three times better accuracy,” and an extended, 15-year operational life, said a SpaceX statement. Billions of people worldwide depend on GPS to support financial, transportation, and agricultural infrastructure.
-
Princess Anne Breaks Down Stereotypes With Unusual Hug -
Demi Lovato Reflects On Why Birthday Cake Recipe In New Cookbook Is 'so Meaningful' -
King Charles, Queen Camilla Host Nigeria's President At State Banquet -
'They Totally Failed Nancy Guthrie': Social Media Explodes As Savannah Remains Missing For Nearly 50 Days -
Doja Cat Spills 'creative Way' To Dodge Paparazzi -
Lisa Kudrow Reflects On Love Story With Michel Stern Before 'Friends' -
Miley Cyrus Reveals 'terrible' Habit She Learned From Dolly Parton -
Prince Harry Urged To Be ‘less Glossy’ After Netflix Snub -
Demi Lovato Reveals Why One Aspect Of Wedding Planning Felt 'intimidating' -
King Charles Rolls Out Royal Treatment With Lavish State Banquet For Nigeria's President -
Zendaya Reveals Her Go-to Wedding Vibe Amid Tom Holland Marriage Rumors -
Timothée Chalamet Faces Huge 'snub' From 'Dune 3' Team At Trailer Launch -
Miley Cyrus Spills How Father Billy Ray Became On-screen Dad On ‘Hannah Montana’ -
Meghan Markle, Prince Harry Face Scathing Response From Author Tom Bower -
Americans' Credit Applications Rise To Highest Level Since October 2022: Says New Fed Report -
Prince Harry Heartbreak As King Charles Ruled Out Favourite Job