Launch of IR-20 Delayed till November

The launch of Block IIR-20 (SVN49) which was earlier scheduled to take place on October 6 has experienced a set back and the launch will not take place until November 7, hopefully.

This also has affected the date for last Block IIR satellite IIR-21 (SVN50) which was also scheduled for an earlier date of December 18 but now push back to the very last day of this year.

The information was made available by the National Geospatial-Intelligence's GPS Division who admitted that some technical logistics need to be put in place to ensure smooth running of the launch.

IIR-20 carries a demonstration payload built by Lockheed Martin subcontractor ITT that will temporarily transmit a third civil signal on the L5 frequency (1176.45 MHz). Originally slated for launch in June of this year, the U.S. Air Force subsequently pushed that launch date back, suggesting in late May that the date was indefinite.

The NGA is a U.S. Department of Defense combat support agency tasked with providing geospatial intelligence in support of national security.