L-Band Activated on First Block IIF GPS Satellite

L-Band Activated on First Block IIF GPS Satellite
June 7, 2010
http://www.gpsworld.com/gnss-system/gps-modernization/news/l-band-activated-first-block-iif-gps-satellite-10039?print=1

The L-band transmitters (at least L1 and L2) of the first Block IIF
satellite in orbit, designated SVN-62/PRN-25, were activated on Sunday,
June 6, according to data collected by certain stations of the
International GNSS Service.

The satellite remains set unhealthy, however, and is still about 270
kilometers above the orbital B plane on the way to its intended B2 orbit
slot.

The satellite was launched May 27.

The GPS IIF satellite is expected to provide greater navigational
accuracy to users through improvements in atomic clock technology and
deliver a more robust signal for commercial aviation and search and
rescue known as the third civil signal (L5). The improvements also
include an on-board reprogrammable processor, which will continue to
deploy the modernization efforts of the IIR-M satellites, a 12 year
design life, and a more robust military signal.