A new GPS Satellite Arrives on Orbit this Morning

The Air Force and United Launch Alliance successfully launched this morning a newer, more advanced global positioning system satellite from Cape Canaveral AFS, FL.

Following the Delta II 7925 second stage and third stage burns one hour into the launch as it soared over the western Pacific Ocean, the new GPS satellite separated at 5:42 am EDT this morning.

Late this summer, targeted now for August 14th, a NAVSTAR GPS IIR-21 will liftoff from the Cape, too.

Delta II Launches from Cape Canaveral This Morning

A new NAVSTAR Global Positing System satellite received a boost into orbit this morning as a United Launch Alliance Delta II lifted off on a flawless flight from Cape Canaveral.

Liftoff of the Delta II 7925 occurred from launch complex 17A from here at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on time at 4:34 am EDT this morning. An uneventful countdown proceeded a beautiful predawn launch.

One minute into the ascent, the six ground ignited solid rocket boosters cutoff and seperated from the Delta II, and then light three more boosters as the center main engine continued to burn. Four minutes into the launch, the Delta II was nearly 29 miles high and speeding over the central Atlantic Ocean at 5,366 mph.

GPS is a space-based radio-positioning system consisting of a minimum of a 24 satellite constellation that provides navigation and timing information to both the military as well as private users worldwide. From your car's GPS, to your cell phone's own smaller GPS, to how certain location software's are able to locate you via networking sites, today we see this technology in our daily lives.

The GPS IIR-20M will spend the next few weeks stepping through several on orbit system tests, and correcting it's altitude prior to going into service.

T-1 minutes all remains GO

One minute until liftoff. All remains go. Weather remain great here at Cape Canaveral, FL for the 4:34 am ET Launch. Temperature: 50F and clear skies with a nice ocean breeze.

Delta II now 10 minutes until launch

All remains go as we await liftoof this morning at 4:34 am EDT. Polling and status checks upcoming in a minute. Weather is GO.

Delta II now Two hours until Launch

United Launch Alliance has just released this image of the Delta II 7925 from tonight, bathed in spotlights and ready to begin its Air Force mission in two hours. Click on the image for a nice larger view. Stay tune for updates.

T-6h:30m until Launch of Delta II at Cape Canaveral

Delta II 7925's solid rocket boosters in this image from 10:01 pm EDT tonight, as the rocket awaits her early morning launch in six and a half hours.

There are light clouds and a nice ocean breeze here at Cape Canaveral AFS. SpaceLaunchNews.com is LIVE on the scene and is providing LIVE television beginning at 4AM EDT. Click on the Delta II TV link at upper right, or from our homepage.

T-:08 hours until the Cape Launch of Delta II

Delta II 7925 sits on her pad at 8:28 pm Tonight.

All systems and the weather here at Cape Canaveral AFS remains a "Go" this evening as the United Launch Alliance and Air Force launch team prepare for the liftoff of a Delta II 7925 rocket early on Tuesday morning.

Liftoff from complex 17A on a mission to deploy a NAVSTAR GPS IIR-20 satellite is set for 4:34 am EDT, or about eight hours from now.

Watch the liftoff LIVE via spacelaunchnews.com by clicking on the Delta II launch link at right column.