New GPS satellite operational

CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla. (AFPN) -- Global Positioning System satellite IIR-10, which launched from here Dec. 21, is now fully operational.

"It is officially 'turned on' for the warfighter as of Jan. 12," said Capt. Thomas R. Ste. Marie, an Air Force launch controller with the 1st Space Launch Squadron here. "IIR-10 will appear on GPS user sets as the number 22 and is visible locally from 10:41 p.m. to 4:56 a.m. today. Each day, the time window slips four minutes ahead."

This particular satellite has replaced another that began running low on power. It is expected to provide military, commercial and civilian users worldwide with increased positioning and timing accuracy for the next 10 years.