McDONNELL DOUGLAS (MDC) launched the first replacement Navstar global-positioning satellite (GPS) into orbit aboard a Delta 2 from Cape Canaveral in Florida on 27 March.

The launch demonstrated MDC's capability to support the 24-satellite operational constellation which could become an industry-standard for air navigation and other civilian applications, after the US Government's decision to widen civilian access to it.

Source: Flight International