List of Thor and Delta launches (2000–2009)

Last updated

Between 2000 and 2009, there were 72 Thor-derived rockets launched, of which 70 were successful, giving a 97.2% success rate.

Contents

List of Thor and Delta launches
1957–1959 · 1960–1969 · 1970–1979 · 1980–1989 · 1990–1999 · 2000–2009 · 2010–2019 · 2020–2024

Notable missions

2001 Mars Odyssey

Mars Exploration Rover A and B (Spirit and Opportunity)

Spitzer Space Telescope

MESSENGER

Dawn

Kepler

Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE)

Launch statistics

Rocket configurations

2.5
5
7.5
10
12.5
15
'01
'02
'03
'04
'05
'06
'07
'08
'09
  •   Delta II (7000)
  •   Delta II (7000H)
  •   Delta III (8000)
  •   Delta IV Medium
  •   Delta IV Medium+ (4,2)
  •   Delta IV Medium+ (5,4)
  •   Delta IV Heavy

Launch sites

2.5
5
7.5
10
12.5
15
2000
'01
'02
'03
'04
'05
'06
'07
'08
'09
  •   Cape Canaveral SLC-17A
  •   Cape Canaveral SLC-17B
  •   Cape Canaveral SLC-37B
  •   Vandenberg SLC-2W
  •   Vandenberg SLC-6

Launch outcomes

2.5
5
7.5
10
12.5
15
2000
'01
'02
'03
'04
'05
'06
'07
'08
'09
  •   Success
  •   Partial Failure

Launch history

2000

There were 7 Thor missiles launched in 2000. 6 of the 7 launches were successful, giving an 85.7% success rate.

Flight No.Date / time (UTC)Rocket,
Configuration		Launch sitePayloadPayload massOrbitCustomerLaunch
outcome
276February 8, 2000
21:24		 Delta II 7420-10C CCAFS SLC-17B Globalstar 7 550 kg LEO Globalstar Success [1]
Mobile Communications
277March 25, 2000
20:34		 Delta II 7326-9.5 VAFB SLC-2W IMAGE 210 kg Polar NASA Success [2]
Solar Wind Monitoring
278May 11, 2000
01:48		 Delta II 7925-9.5CCAFS SLC-17A USA-150 (GPS IIR-4)2,032 kg MEO US Air Force Success [3]
Navigation satellite
279July 16, 2000
09:17		 Delta II 7925-9.5CCAFS SLC-17A USA-151 (GPS IIR-5)2,032 kg MEO US Air Force Success [4]
Navigation satellite
280August 23, 2000
11:05		 Delta III 8930CCAFS SLC-17B DM-F3 4383 kg GTO US Air Force Partial failure [5]
Reached lower than planned orbit, final flight of Delta III, Demosat
281November 10, 2000
17:14		 Delta II 7925-9.5CCAFS SLC-17A USA-154 (GPS IIR-6)2,032 kg MEO US Air Force Success [6]
Navigation satellite
282November 21, 2000
18:24		 Delta II 7320-10VAFB SLC-2W EO-1/SAC-C 573 kg LEO NASA Success [7]
Earth Observing

2001

There were 7 Thor missiles launched in 2001. All 7 launches were successful.

Flight No.Date / time (UTC)Rocket,
Configuration		Launch sitePayloadPayload massOrbitCustomerLaunch
outcome
283January 30, 2001
07:55		 Delta II 7925-9.5CCAFS SLC-17A USA-156 (GPS IIR-7)2,032 kg MEO US Air Force Success [8]
Navigation satellite
284April 7, 2001
15:02		 Delta II 7925-9.5CCAFS SLC-17A Mars Odyssey 376.3 kg Heliocentric NASA Success [9]
Mars orbiter
285May 18, 2001
17:45		 Delta II 7925-9.5CCAFS SLC-17B GeoLITE 1800 kg GTO US NRO Success [10]
Technology Demonstrator
286June 30, 2001
19:46		 Delta II 7425-10CCAFS SLC-17B WMAP 763 kg Sun-Earth L2 NASA Success [11]
Cosmic microwave background experiments, First flight with a 10-foot (3.0 m) composite fairing.
287August 8, 2001
16:13		 Delta II 7326-9.5CCAFS SLC-17A Genesis Probe 494 kg Heliocentric NASA Success [12]
Solar Wind sample return
288October 18, 2001
18:51		 Delta II 7320-10VAFB SLC-2W QuickBird 951 kg SSO DigitalGlobe Success [13]
Earth Imaging
289December 7, 2001
15:07		 Delta II 7920-10VAFB SLC-2W Jason-1/TIMED 1160 kg LEO NASA Success [14]
100th Delta II launch, Earth Observation

2002

There were 4 Thor missiles launched in 2002. All 4 launches were successful.

Flight No.Date / time (UTC)Rocket,
Configuration		Launch sitePayloadPayload massOrbitCustomerLaunch
outcome
290February 11, 2002
17:43		 Delta II 7920-10CVAFB SLC-2WIridium IS-1689 kg LEO Iridium Communications Success [15]
Mobile Communications
291May 4, 2002
09:54		 Delta II 7920-10LVAFB SLC-2W Aqua 3,117 kg LEO NASA Success [16]
Earth Observation
292July 3, 2002
06:47		 Delta II 7425CCAFS SLC-17A CONTOUR 328 kg Heliocentric NASA Success [17]
Payload later failed, Comet probe
293November 20, 2002
22:39		 Delta IV-M+ (4,2)CCAFS SLC-37B Eutelsat W5 1,400 kg GTO Eutelsat Success [18]
First Delta IV launch, Commercial communications satellite

2003

There were 9 Thor missiles launched in 2003. All 9 launches were successful.

Flight No.Date / time (UTC)Rocket,
Configuration		Launch sitePayloadPayload massOrbitCustomerLaunch
outcome
294January 13, 2003
00:45		 Delta II 7320-10VAFB SLC-2W ICESat, CHIPSat 1304 kg SSO NASA Success [19]
Earth science satellite, Astronomical satellite
295January 29, 2003
18:06		 Delta II 7925-9.5CCAFS SLC-17B USA-166 (GPS IIR-8)2,032 kg MEO US Air Force Success [20]
Navigation satellite
296March 11, 2003
00:59		 Delta IV-MCCAFS SLC-37B USA-167 (DSCS-3 A3)Classified GTO US Air Force Success [21]
Military communications satellite, First Delta IV Medium launch, First USAF EELV mission
297March 31, 2003
22:09		 Delta II 7925-9.5CCAFS SLC-17A USA-168 (GPS IIR-9)2,032 kg MEO US Air Force Success [22]
Navigation satellite
298June 10, 2003
17:58		 Delta II 7925-9.5CCAFS SLC-17A Spirit (MER-A)185 kg Heliocentric NASA Success [23]
Mars rover
299July 8, 2003
03:18		 Delta II 7925H-9.5CCAFS SLC-17B Opportunity (MER-B)185 kg Heliocentric NASA Success [24]
Mars rover, First Delta II Heavy launch (with GEM 46s used on the Delta III)
300August 25, 2003
05:35		 Delta II 7920H-9.5CCAFS SLC-17B Spitzer Space Telescope (SIRTF)851.5 kg Heliocentric NASA Success [25]
Infra-red telescope, 300th Delta rocket mission, First Delta II Heavy launch without a third-stage motor
301August 29, 2003
23:13		 Delta IV-MCCAFS SLC-37B USA-170 (DSCS-3 B6)Classified GTO US Air Force Success [26]
Military communications satellite
302December 21, 2003
08:05		 Delta II 7925-9.5CCAFS SLC-17A USA-175 (GPS IIR-10)2,032 kg MEO US Air Force Success [27]
Navigation satellite

2004

There were 8 Thor missiles launched in 2004. 7 of the 8 launches were successful, giving an 87.5% success rate.

Flight No.Date / time (UTC)Rocket,
Configuration		Launch sitePayloadPayload massOrbitCustomerLaunch
outcome
303March 20, 2004
17:53		 Delta II 7925-9.5CCAFS SLC-17B USA-177 (GPS IIR-11)2,032 kg MEO US Air Force Success [28]
Navigation satellite
304April 20, 2004
16:57		 Delta II 7920-10CVAFB SLC-2W Gravity Probe B 3,100 kg Polar Orbit NASA Success [29]
Science satellite
305June 23, 2004
22:54		 Delta II 7925-9.5CCAFS SLC-17B USA-178 (GPS IIR-12)2,032 kg MEO US Air Force Success [30]
Navigation satellite
306July 15, 2004
10:02		 Delta II 7920-10LVAFB SLC-2W Aura 2,970 kg SSO NASA Success [31]
Atmospheric science satellite, First use of a stretched 10-foot (3.0 m)-wide fairing
307August 3, 2004
06:15		 Delta II 7925H-9.5CCAFS SLC-17B MESSENGER 1,107.9 kg Heliocentric NASA Success [32]
Mercury probe
308November 6, 2004
05:39		 Delta II 7925-9.5CCAFS SLC-17B USA-180 (GPS IIR-13)2,032 kg MEO US Air Force Success [33]
Navigation satellite
309November 20, 2004
17:16		 Delta II 7320-10CCCAFS SLC-17A Swift 843 kg LEO NASA Success [34]
Gamma-ray telescope
310December 21, 2004
21:50		 Delta IV Heavy CCAFS SLC-37B DemoSat [35] / 3CS-1 / 3CS-2 >6020 kg GSO (planned)Partial failure [36]
Demonstration payload, Payloads did not reach correct orbits, First Delta IV Heavy launch

2005

There were 3 Thor missiles launched in 2005. All 3 launches were successful.

Flight No.Date / time (UTC)Rocket,
Configuration		Launch sitePayloadPayload massOrbitCustomerLaunch
outcome
311January 12, 2005
18:47		 Delta II 7925-9.5 CCAFS, SLC-17B Deep Impact 650 kg Heliocentric NASA Success [37]
Comet probe
312May 20, 2005
10:22		 Delta II 7320-10C VAFB, SLC-2W NOAA-18 1457 kg SSO NOAA Success [38]
Weather satellite
313September 26, 2005
03:37		 Delta II 7925-9.5CCAFS, SLC-17A USA-183 (GPS IIR-M-1)2,032 kg MEO U.S. Air Force Success [39]
Navigation satellite

2006

There were 9 Thor missiles launched in 2006. All 9 launches were successful.

Flight No.Date / time (UTC)Rocket,
Configuration		Launch sitePayloadPayload massOrbitCustomerLaunch
outcome
314April 28, 2006
10:02		 Delta II 7420-10CVAFB SLC-2W CloudSat, CALIPSO 1287 kg SSO NASA Success [40]
Two Atmospheric Satellites
315May 24, 2006
22:11		 Delta IV-M+ (4,2)CCAFS SLC-37B GOES-N (GOES-13)3,133 kg GTO NASA/NOAA Success [41]
First Delta IV launch for NASA, Weather satellite
316June 21, 2006
22:15		 Delta II 7925-9.5CCAFS SLC-17A Microsatellite Technology Experiment (MiTEx) (USA 187/USA 188/USA 189) GTO US Air Force Success [42]
Navy upper stage test, small sat launch
317June 28, 2006
03:33		 Delta IV-M+ (4,2)VAFB SLC-6 NROL-22 Molniya US NRO Success [43]
First Delta IV launch from Vandenberg, Reconnaissance satellite
318September 25, 2006
18:50		 Delta II 7925-9.5CCAFS SLC-17A USA-190 (GPS IIR-M-2)2,032 kg MEO US Air Force Success [44]
Navigation satellite
319October 26, 2006
00:52		 Delta II 7925-10LCCAFS SLC-17B STEREO 547 kg Heliocentric NASA Success [45]
Two solar observatories
320November 4, 2006
13:53		 Delta IV-MVAFB SLC-6 DMSP F17Classified SSO DoD Success [46]
First Delta IV launch into a LEO/SSO, Military weather satellite
321November 17, 2006
19:12		 Delta II 7925-9.5CCAFS SLC-17A USA-192 (GPS IIR-M-3)2,032 kg MEO US Air Force Success [47]
Navigation satellite
322December 14, 2006
21:00		 Delta II 7920-10VAFB SLC-2W USA-193 (NROL-21)2,300 kg LEO US NRO Success [48]
First launch by United Launch Alliance. Reconnaissance satellite. Payload failed shortly after deployment; would eventually be destroyed on February 20, 2008, by an ASAT.

2007

There were 9 Thor missiles launched in 2007. All 9 launches were successful.

Flight No.Date / time (UTC)Rocket,
Configuration		Launch sitePayloadPayload massOrbitCustomerLaunch
outcome
323February 17, 2007
23:01		 Delta II 7925-10CCCAFS SLC-17B THEMIS 77 kg HEO NASA Success [49]
Five magnetosphere observatories
324June 8, 2007
02:34		 Delta II 7420-10VAFB SLC-2W COSMO-SkyMed 1 LEO ASI Success [50]
Earth imaging/reconnaissance, Italian government
325August 4, 2007
09:26		 Delta II 7925CCAFS SLC-17A Phoenix 350 kg Heliocentric NASA Success [51]
Mars lander
326September 18, 2007
18:35		 Delta II 7920-10VAFB SLC-2WDigitalGlobe WorldView-1 2,500 kg SSO DigitalGlobe Success [52]
Commercial Earth imaging satellite
327September 27, 2007
11:34		 Delta II 7925H-9.5CCAFS SLC-17B Dawn 747.1 kg Heliocentric NASA Success [53]
Asteroid probe
328October 17, 2007
12:23		 Delta II 7925-9.5CCAFS SLC-17A USA-196 (GPS IIR-M-4)2,032 kg MEO US Air Force Success [54]
Navigation satellite
329November 11, 2007
01:50		 Delta IV Heavy CCAFS SLC-37B DSP-23 5,250 kg GSO US Air Force Success [55]
First Delta IV launch contracted by United Launch Alliance and first operational Delta IV Heavy launch. Launch delayed due to damage to launch pad caused by a liquid oxygen leak. [56] Missile warning satellite. Spacecraft eventually stopped transmitting in September 2008. [57]
330December 9, 2007
02:31		 Delta II 7420-10VAFB SLC-2W COSMO-2 LEO ASI Success [58]
Italian government, Earth imaging/reconnaissance
331December 20, 2007
20:04		 Delta II 7925-9.5CCAFS SLC-17A USA-199 (GPS IIR-M-5)2,032 kg MEO US Air Force Success [59]
Navigation satellite

2008

There were 5 Thor missiles launched in 2008. All 5 launches were successful.

Flight No.Date / time (UTC)Rocket,
Configuration		Launch sitePayloadPayload massOrbitCustomerLaunch
outcome
332March 15, 2008
06:10		 Delta II 7925-9.5CCAFS SLC-17A USA-201 (GPS IIR-M-6)2,032 kg MEO US Air Force Success [60]
80th consecutive successful launch, Navigation satellite
333June 11, 2008
16:05		 Delta II 7920H-10CCCAFS SLC-17B GLAST 4,303 kg LEO NASA Success [61]
First Delta II Heavy launch with a 10-foot (3.0 m)-wide composite fairing, Gamma-ray Telescope
334June 20, 2008
07:46		 Delta II 7320VAFB SLC-2W Jason-2 510 kg LEO NASA Success [62]
Ocean topography
335September 6, 2008
18:50		 Delta II 7420-10VAFB SLC-2W GeoEye-1 1,955 kg LEO DigitalGlobe Success [63]
Earth imaging
336October 25, 2008
02:28		 Delta II 7420VAFB SLC-2W COSMO-3 LEO ASI Success [64]
Earth imaging/reconnaissance

2009

There were 11 Thor missiles launched in 2009. All 11 launches were successful.

Flight No.Date / time (UTC)Rocket,
Configuration		Launch sitePayloadPayload massOrbitCustomerLaunch
outcome
337January 18, 2009
02:47		 Delta IV Heavy CCAFS SLC-37B USA-202 (NROL-26)Classified GSO US NRO Success [65]
Reconnaissance satellite
338February 6, 2009
10:22		 Delta II 7320-10CVAFB SLC-2W NOAA-19 (NOAA-N Prime)1,440 kg SSO NOAA Success [66]
Weather satellite
339March 7, 2009
03:49		 Delta II 7925-10LCCAFS SLC-17B Kepler 478 kg Heliocentric NASA Success [67]
Space photometer
340March 24, 2009
08:34		 Delta II 7925-9.5CCAFS SLC-17A USA-203 (GPS IIR-M-7)2,032 kg MEO US Air Force Success [68]
Navigation satellite
341May 5, 2009
20:24		 Delta II 7920-10CVAFB SLC-2W USA-205 (STSS-ATRR/ GMD Block 2010 SRR)Classified LEO MDA Success [69]
Satellite Technology
342June 27, 2009
22:51		 Delta IV-M+ (4,2)CCAFS SLC-37B GOES-O (GOES-14)3,133 kg GTO NASA/NOAA Success [70]
Weather satellite
343August 17, 2009
10:35		 Delta II 7925CCAFS SLC-17A USA-206 (GPS IIRM-8)2,032 kg MEO US Air Force Success [71]
Navigation satellite, Final launch from SLC-17A, Final Delta II launch for the USAF, Final use of the 7925 configuration
344September 25, 2009
12:20		 Delta II 7920-10CCCAFS SLC-17B USA-208/209 (STSS Demo/ GMD Block 2006) LEO US Air Force Success [72]
90th consecutive success for Delta II, Missile Defense Technology test
345October 8, 2009
18:51		 Delta II 7920-10CVAFB SLC-2W WorldView-2 2,800 kg LEO DigitalGlobe Success [73]
Earth imaging/reconnaissance
346December 6, 2009
01:47		 Delta IV-M+ (5,4)CCAFS SLC-37B USA-211 (WGS-3)5,987 kg GTO US Air Force Success [74]
First Delta IV Medium+ (5,4) launch, Communication satellite
347December 14, 2009
14:09		 Delta II 7320-10CVAFB SLC-2W WISE 347 kg LEO NASA Success [75]
Space telescope

Images

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Delta II</span> American space launch system

Delta II was an expendable launch system, originally designed and built by McDonnell Douglas, and sometimes known as the Thorad Delta 1. Delta II was part of the Delta rocket family, derived directly from the Delta 3000, and entered service in 1989. There were two main variants, the Delta 6000 and Delta 7000, with the latter also having "Light" and "Heavy" subvariants. During its career, Delta II flew several notable payloads, including 24 Global Positioning System (GPS) Block II satellites, several dozen NASA payloads, and 60 Iridium communication satellites. The rocket flew its final mission, ICESat-2, on 15 September 2018, earning the launch vehicle a streak of 100 successful missions in a row, with the last failure being GPS IIR-1 in 1997. In the late 1990s, Delta II was developed further into the unsuccessful Delta III, which was in turn developed into the more capable and successful Delta IV, though the latter shares little heritage with the original Thor and Delta rockets.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Delta IV</span> Retired expendable launch system in the Delta rocket family

Delta IV was a group of five expendable launch systems in the Delta rocket family introduced in the early 2000s. Originally designed by Boeing's Defense, Space and Security division for the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) program, the Delta IV became a United Launch Alliance (ULA) product in 2006. The Delta IV was primarily a launch vehicle for United States Air Force (USAF) military payloads, but was also used to launch a number of United States government non-military payloads and a single commercial satellite.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">National Security Space Launch</span> Expendable launch system program of the United States Space Force

National Security Space Launch (NSSL) is a program of the United States Space Force (USSF) intended to assure access to space for United States Department of Defense and other United States government payloads. The program is managed by the Assured Access to Space Directorate (SSC/AA) of the Space Force's Space Systems Command (SSC), in partnership with the National Reconnaissance Office.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Atlas V</span> Expendable launch system

Atlas V is an expendable launch system and the fifth major version in the Atlas launch vehicle family. It was originally designed by Lockheed Martin, now being operated by United Launch Alliance (ULA), a joint venture between Lockheed Martin and Boeing. It is used for DoD, NASA, and Commercial payloads. It is America's longest-serving active rocket. After 87 launches, in August 2021 ULA announced that Atlas V would be retired, and all 29 remaining launches had been sold. As of January 2024, 17 launches remain. Other future ULA launches will use the new Vulcan Centaur rocket.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Graphite-Epoxy Motor</span> American solid rocket booster

The Graphite-Epoxy Motor (GEM) is a family of solid rocket boosters developed in the late 1980s and used since 1990. GEM motors are manufactured with carbon-fibre-reinforced polymer casings and a fuel consisting of HTPB-bound ammonium perchlorate composite propellant. GEM is produced by Northrop Grumman Space Systems. GEM boosters are used on the Atlas V and were previously used on the Delta II, Delta III, and Delta IV launch vehicles. A new variant, the GEM 63XL, flew as part of the Vulcan Centaur launch vehicle on 8 January 2024.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 6</span> Launch pad

Space Launch Complex 6 at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California is a launch pad and support area. The site was originally developed starting in 1966, but no launches occurred until 1995, as it was repurposed sequentially for three programs that were subsequently cancelled. Initially to be used for Titan IIIM rockets and the Manned Orbiting Laboratory, these were cancelled before construction of SLC-6 was complete. The complex was later rebuilt to serve as the west coast launch site for the Space Shuttle, but went unused due to budget, safety and political considerations. The pad was subsequently used for four Athena rocket launches before being modified to support the Delta IV launch vehicle family, which used the pad for ten launches from 2006 until 2022. The last Delta IV launched in September 2022, and SpaceX leased SLC-6 in 2023 to convert it to launch Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy starting in 2025.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">United Launch Alliance</span> Joint venture of Lockheed Martin and Boeing

United Launch Alliance, LLC, commonly referred to as ULA, is an American aerospace manufacturer, defense contractor and launch service provider that manufactures and operates rockets that launch spacecraft into Earth orbit and on trajectories to other bodies in the Solar System. ULA also designed and builds the Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage for the Space Launch System (SLS).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wideband Global SATCOM</span> Defense satellite communications project

The Wideband Global SATCOM system (WGS) is a high capacity United States Space Force satellite communications system planned for use in partnership by the United States Department of Defense (DoD), Canadian Department of National Defence (DND) and the Australian Department of Defence. The system is composed of the Space Segment satellites, the Terminal Segment users and the Control Segment operators.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Delta IV Heavy</span> Variant of the Delta IV space launch vehicle

The Delta IV Heavy was an expendable heavy-lift launch vehicle, the largest type of the Delta IV family. It was the world's third highest-capacity launch vehicle in operation at the time of its retirement in 2024, behind NASA's Space Launch System and SpaceX's Falcon Heavy and closely followed by CASC's Long March 5. It was manufactured by United Launch Alliance (ULA) and was first launched in 2004. ULA retired the Delta IV Heavy in 2024. Future ULA launches will use the new Vulcan Centaur rocket. Delta IV's final flight was initially scheduled for March 29, 2024 for the National Reconnaissance Office; its actual launch date was April 9, 2024 after a postponement.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">GPS satellite blocks</span> Generations of US navigation satellites

GPS satellite blocks are the various production generations of the Global Positioning System (GPS) used for satellite navigation. The first satellite in the system, Navstar 1, was launched on 22 February 1978. The GPS satellite constellation is operated by the 2nd Space Operations Squadron (2SOPS) of Space Delta 8, United States Space Force.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">USA-206</span> American navigation satellite used for GPS

USA-206, also GPS SVN-50, PRN-05 and NAVSTAR 64 and known before launch as GPS IIR-21, GPS IIRM-8 or GPS IIR-21(M), is an American navigation satellite that forms part of the Navstar Global Positioning System. It was the twenty-first and last Block IIR GPS satellite to be launched and the eighth to use the modernized IIRM configuration.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">USA-213</span> American navigation satellite used for GPS

USA-213, also known as GPS SVN-62, GPS IIF SV-1 and NAVSTAR 65, is the first satellite in the Block IIF series of Global Positioning System navigation satellites. It will be used to relay signals for the United States Air Force Navstar Global Positioning System (GPS). The satellite was launched at 03:00:00 UTC on 28 May 2010. It will be placed into plane B of the GPS constellation, and will transmit the PRN-25 signal. PRN-25 was previously broadcast by USA-79, which was retired in late 2009 after almost eighteen years of service.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">GPS Block IIF</span> Operational generation of GPS satellites

GPS Block IIF, or GPS IIF is an interim class of GPS (satellite) which were used to bridge the gap between previous Navstar Global Positioning System generations until the GPS Block III satellites became operational. They were built by Boeing, operated by the United States Air Force, and launched by the United Launch Alliance (ULA) using Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicles (EELV). They are the final component of the Block II GPS constellation to be launched. On 5 February 2016, the final Block IIF satellite was successfully launched, completing the series.

References

  1. ↑ "Globalstar constellation completed with Delta launch". Spaceflight Now. February 8, 2000.
  2. ↑ "Space weather satellite launched by Boeing rocket". Spaceflight Now. March 26, 2000.
  3. ↑ "Delta rocket launches replacement GPS satellite". Spaceflight Now. May 11, 2000.
  4. ↑ "Delta rocket shows what it's like to launch into the night". Spaceflight Now. July 16, 2000.
  5. ↑ "Delta 3 rocket falls short but still a success, Boeing says". Spaceflight Now. August 24, 2000.
  6. ↑ "Venerable Delta 2 notches another successful launch". Spaceflight Now. November 10, 2000.
  7. ↑ "Delta 2 rocket puts three satellites into Earth orbit". Spaceflight Now. November 22, 2000.
  8. ↑ "Boeing Delta 2 rocket lofts another GPS satellite". Spaceflight Now. January 30, 2001.
  9. ↑ "New Martian odyssey begins". Spaceflight Now. April 7, 2001.
  10. ↑ "Delta 2 launches spy satellite technology demonstrator". Spaceflight Now. May 18, 2001.
  11. ↑ "Craft launched to unlock secrets of the universe". Spaceflight Now. June 30, 2001.
  12. ↑ "NASA probe launched to retrieve bits of our origins". Spaceflight Now. August 8, 2001.
  13. ↑ "Commercial Earth-imager rockets into space atop Delta". Spaceflight Now. October 16, 2001.
  14. ↑ "Two science satellites launched by 100th Delta 2". Spaceflight Now. December 7, 2001.
  15. ↑ "Delta 2 rocket launches quintet of Iridium satellites". Spaceflight Now. February 11, 2002.
  16. ↑ "New environmental eye on Earth launched into space". Spaceflight Now. May 4, 2002.
  17. ↑ "Probe launched to see fossils from formation of planets". Spaceflight Now. July 3, 2002.
  18. ↑ "Boeing's Delta 4 rocket debuts successfully". Spaceflight Now. November 20, 2002.
  19. ↑ "Delta 2 pulls double duty with launch of two satellites". Spaceflight Now. January 12, 2003.
  20. ↑ "Delta rocket launches GPS navigation satellite". Spaceflight Now. January 29, 2003.
  21. ↑ "Delta 4 rocket successfully begins military service". Spaceflight Now. March 10, 2003.
  22. ↑ "Delta doesn't disappoint in successful GPS launch". Spaceflight Now. March 31, 2003.
  23. ↑ "Spirit rover begins seven-month cruise to Mars". Spaceflight Now. June 10, 2003.
  24. ↑ "Opportunity launched to Mars". Spaceflight Now. July 8, 2003.
  25. ↑ "300th Delta rocket launches new window on Universe". Spaceflight Now. August 25, 2003.
  26. ↑ "Delta 4 rocket delivers last Air Force DSCS satellite". Spaceflight Now. August 29, 2003.
  27. ↑ "Upgraded satellite en route to GPS constellation". Spaceflight Now. December 21, 2003.
  28. ↑ "Newest GPS spacecraft successfully soars into orbit". Spaceflight Now. March 20, 2004.
  29. ↑ "Spacecraft launched to test Albert Einstein's theories". Spaceflight Now. April 20, 2004.
  30. ↑ "Delta rocket successfully launches one for The Gipper". Spaceflight Now. June 23, 2004.
  31. ↑ "Craft launched to probe atmosphere's chemistry". Spaceflight Now. July 15, 2004.
  32. ↑ "Probe roars away from Earth on voyage to orbit Mercury". Spaceflight Now. August 3, 2004.
  33. ↑ "Delta rocket puts on late-night show with GPS launch". Spaceflight Now. November 6, 2004.
  34. ↑ "Spacecraft launched to observe cataclysmic blasts". Spaceflight Now. November 20, 2004.
  35. ↑ "The DemoSat payload (Boeing Fact Sheet)". Spaceflight Now. 2004-12-01.
  36. ↑ Ray, Justin (December 22, 2004). "Delta 4-Heavy hits snag on test flight". Spaceflight Now.
  37. ↑ "Probe launched to smack heart of wandering comet". Spaceflight Now. January 12, 2005.
  38. ↑ "Delta 2 rocket delivers weather satellite into space". Spaceflight Now. May 20, 2005.
  39. ↑ "GPS modernization begins with Delta rocket launch". Spaceflight Now. September 26, 2005.
  40. ↑ "7th shot the lucky one for Delta rocket launch". Spaceflight Now. April 28, 2006.
  41. ↑ "Weather observatory for Americas ascends to space". Spaceflight Now. May 24, 2006.
  42. ↑ "Delta 2 rocket puts military experiment into space". Spaceflight Now. June 21, 2006.
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  44. ↑ "Updating the GPS satellite constellation takes next step". Spaceflight Now. September 25, 2006.
  45. ↑ "Spacecraft launched to see the sun in a new dimension". Spaceflight Now. October 25, 2006.
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  48. ↑ "United Launch Alliance Joint Venture Completes First Launch". United Launch Alliance. December 14, 2006. Archived from the original on December 7, 2013. Retrieved March 5, 2013.
  49. ↑ "United Launch Alliance First East Coast Launch a Total Success". United Launch Alliance. February 17, 2007. Archived from the original on December 7, 2013. Retrieved March 5, 2013.
  50. ↑ "ULA Successfully Launches COSMO SkyMed-1". United Launch Alliance. June 7, 2007. Archived from the original on December 7, 2013. Retrieved March 5, 2013.
  51. ↑ "United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches NASAs Phoenix Spacecraft". United Launch Alliance. August 4, 2007. Archived from the original on December 7, 2013. Retrieved March 5, 2013.
  52. ↑ "United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches 75th Consecutive Delta II on U.S. Air Force 60th Anniversary". United Launch Alliance. September 18, 2007. Archived from the original on December 7, 2013. Retrieved March 5, 2013.
  53. ↑ "United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches Dawn Mission for NASA". United Launch Alliance. September 27, 2007. Archived from the original on December 7, 2013. Retrieved March 5, 2013.
  54. ↑ "United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches GPS IIR-17 Mission for Air Force". United Launch Alliance. October 17, 2007. Archived from the original on December 7, 2013. Retrieved March 5, 2013.
  55. ↑ "United Launch Alliance Successfully Completes First Operational Delta IV Heavy Launch". United Launch Alliance. November 10, 2007. Archived from the original on December 7, 2013. Retrieved March 5, 2013.
  56. ↑ "Delta Pad Damage Assessed After Fuel Leak". Aviation Week. Archived from the original on 2007-09-29. Retrieved 2007-06-30.
  57. ↑ Shalal-Esa, Andrea (2008-11-24). "U.S. missile-warning satellite fails". Reuters. Retrieved 2008-11-25.
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  59. ↑ "United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches GPS IIR-18 Mission for Air Force". United Launch Alliance. December 20, 2007. Archived from the original on December 7, 2013. Retrieved March 5, 2013.
  60. ↑ "United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches GPS IIR-19 Mission for Air Force". United Launch Alliance. March 15, 2008. Archived from the original on December 7, 2013. Retrieved March 5, 2013.
  61. ↑ "NASA's GLAST Launch Successful". NASA.
  62. ↑ "NASA Launches Ocean Satellite to Keep a Weather, Climate Eye Open". NASA.
  63. ↑ "United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches GeoEye-1 Commercial Satellite". United Launch Alliance. September 7, 2008. Archived from the original on December 7, 2013. Retrieved March 5, 2013.
  64. ↑ "United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches Third Italian COSMO Satellite". United Launch Alliance. October 24, 2008. Archived from the original on December 7, 2013. Retrieved March 5, 2013.
  65. ↑ "First ULA Delta IV Heavy NRO Mission Successfully Lifts Off From Cape Canaveral". United Launch Alliance. January 17, 2009. Archived from the original on December 7, 2013. Retrieved March 5, 2013.
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  68. ↑ "United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches 47th Air Force GPS Mission". United Launch Alliance. March 24, 2009. Archived from the original on December 7, 2013. Retrieved March 5, 2013.
  69. ↑ "United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches Missile Defense Mission". United Launch Alliance. May 5, 2009. Archived from the original on December 7, 2013. Retrieved March 5, 2013.
  70. ↑ "NASA and NOAA's GOES-O Satellite Successfully Launched". NASA KSC. 2009-06-27.
  71. ↑ "ULA Delta II Completes 20 Year Era with Successful Air Force GPS IIR-21 Launch". United Launch Alliance. August 17, 2009. Archived from the original on December 7, 2013. Retrieved March 5, 2013.
  72. ↑ "Delta II NASA Launch for Missile Defense Agency Successful". NASA KSC. Sep 25, 2009.
  73. ↑ "Earth imaging satellite launched from California". AP. 2009-10-08.
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  75. ↑ "ULA Caps Banner Launch Year with Successful Delta II NASA WISE Launch". United Launch Alliance. December 14, 2009. Archived from the original on December 7, 2013. Retrieved March 5, 2013.
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