Image: 160921-F-0000U-001

Description: The Global Positioning System Block II satellite pictured here in 1985 underwent a four-month series of qualification tests in the AEDC Mark I Space Chamber to determine whether the satellite could withstand extreme heat and cold in space. The first GPS Block I satellite was also tested at AEDC in 1977 the same year of the first operational launch. The GPS is a U.S.-owned utility that provides users with positioning, navigation and timing services. The system consists of three segments: the space segment, the control segment and the user segment. The U.S. Air Force develops, maintains and operates the space and control segments. There are currently 31 GPS satellites in operation and the latest version in use are 12 GPS Block IIF. (AEDC file photo)
Usage Terms: Public domain