ULA Delta IV Launch Vehicle Lofts GPS IIF-9 Satellite Into Orbit for
GPS IIF-9 First of Three GPS Satellites to be Launched in 2015

Orbital ATK s contributions to the Delta IV and GPS IIF that launched
Orbital ATK s contributions to the Delta IV and GPS IIF include
cutting-edge technologies from across the company. In addition to the
state-of-the art solar arrays and other critical components on the GPS
IIF satellite, contributions include the two
Orbital ATK s contributions to the Delta IV GPS IIF-9 mission are prime
examples of the affordable, innovative and reliable products we offer,
said
ULA s Delta family of launch vehicles has been lifting high-priority government and commercial payloads to orbit for more than 50 years. This launch marks the 371st Delta rocket since 1960 and the 29th Delta IV since 2002. It also marks the 69th GPS satellite launch and the 55th to use a Delta rocket.
The Delta IV medium-plus rocket flew in a configuration featuring two
The nozzle for the launch vehicle s RS-68 engine was designed and
manufactured at Orbital ATK s facility in
The Delta IV composite structures manufactured by
-
The GEM cases, manufactured using advanced wet winding techniques at
Orbital ATK s
Clearfield, Utah facility. -
The fairing, payload attach fitting and diaphragm, interstage,
centerbody and thermal shield, all produced using advanced hand layup,
machining and inspection techniques at Orbital ATK s
Iuka, Mississippi facility.
For the GPS IIF-9 satellite,
-
Orbital ATK s
Goleta, California facility designed and manufactured the satellite solar arrays and a deployment boom.Orbital ATK has achieved 100 percent on-orbit success on all solar arrays and deployable systems delivered and launched to date. -
Orbital ATK s
San Diego, California facility manufactured the composite solar array substrates. -
Orbital ATK s
Commerce, California , facility had responsibility for the ullage tank assembly, including the blankets, heaters, thermistors and pressurant lines. This tank is a spherical vessel constructed of titanium. -
Orbital ATK s
Beltsville, Maryland facility provided heat pipes for the GPS IIF equipment and radiator panels. -
Orbital ATK s
Rancho Bernardo, California facility performed final assembly and RF (Radio Frequency) testing of the antenna suite for GPS IIF between 2003 and 2010.
ULA will deliver two more GPS IIF satellites into orbit this year, and then another in early 2016 to complete the IIF series. These satellites will be delivered into medium-Earth orbits and will circle the globe every 12 hours, providing critical Navstar positioning, velocity, and timing assets fully functional until the next-generation GPS Block IIIA comes online in 2016. In addition to their civilian usage, the Block IIF satellites boast enhanced accuracy, reprogrammable processors, interference-free signals for commercial aviation, search and rescue capability, and a new Military code that is better resistant to electronic jamming.
About
Source:
Media Contact:
Orbital ATK, Inc.
Hillary Searle,
801-657-9627
Flight Systems Group Communications
hillary.searle@orbitalatk.com
or
Investor
Contact:
Orbital ATK, Inc.
Barron Beneski, 703-406-5528
Public
and Investor Relations
barron.beneski@orbitalatk.com