USAF Last Delta 2 rocket Launch with GPS-IIR 21 (M)

August 17, 2009 - Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.
The 48th successful and final Air Force Delta II Global Positioning System satellite launch occurred today, ending one of the most successful space launch programs in American history. A United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket launched GPS IIR-21(M) into orbit from Space Launch Complex-17A at 6:35 a.m., EDT today. The first Air Force Delta II GPS launch occurred Feb. 14, 1989 and todays launch marked the 48th GPS mission giving the program a 98 percent success rate. The first launch in 1989 was NAVSTAR II-1. NAVSTAR is now commonly known as GPS.
Following a nominal 1 hour and 8 minute flight, the rocket deployed the GPS IIR-21(M) spacecraft, the eighth modernized NAVSTAR Global Positioning System Block II R-M military navigation satellite. GPS is a space-based positioning system designed and operated as a 24-satellite constellation that provides precision navigation and timing information to military and civilian users worldwide.

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[artwleb]

Exactly 51 years ago this date the first space launch was conducted from LC-17A.........Thor-Able and PIoneer