KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 4 (Bernama) -- Boeing has completed key ground tests that help pave the way for next year's launch of the first Global Positioning Systems (GPS) IIF satellite.

"These successful tests reflect a combined effort from the Air Force and Boeing to ensure that the first GPS IIF satellite is on track to meet the Air Force's current launch commitments," said Craig Cooning, Vice-President and General Manager of Boeing Space and Intelligence Systems.

"The tests also demonstrate compatibility between the space vehicle and ground control segment, highlighting Boeing's ability to integrate complex space and ground elements," he was quoted as saying in the November issue of the company's bulletin "Boeing Navigator".

Built at Boeing's El Segundo satellite factory, GPS IIF Space Vehicle 2 (SV-2) was tested at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida from May till August in preparation for the launch of SV-1, the first of 12 GPS IIF next generation navigation satellites.

SV-2 successfully completed a consolidated systems test (CST) which is a set of onetime, system-level design verification and validation tests involving the space vehicle, the ground-based control segment and user equipment.

In addition, GPS master control stations successfully commanded the space vehicle as they will do when the satellite is in operational orbit.

SV-2 was also used as a "pathfinder" to validate transportation equipment and processes and launch site test procedures and equipment.

Boeing is installing the final pieces of hardware on SV-1 and preparing it for its final cycle of environment vacuum testing to confirm the space craft's integrity for launch.

SV-2 returned to El Segundo on Sept 3 and will follow SV-1 into environmental vacuum testing in preparation for its own launch.

GPS IIF features twice the navigational accuracy of heritage satellites, more robust signals for commercial aviation and search and rescue and greater resistance to jamming in hostile environment.

It will form the core of the GPS constellation for many years to come.

-- BERNAMA