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The GPS IIR-12 spacecraft (which was renamed USA-178) is a member of the NAVSTAR Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites. These incorporate various improvements to provide greater accuracy, increased signals, and enhanced performance for users. It was launched aboard a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Delta II expendable launch vehicle from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station’s Space Launch Complex 17B (SLC-17B) in Florida at 6:54 p.m. EST (10:54 GMT) on June 23, 2004. The Block IIR series were "replenishment" satellites constructed by Lockheed Martin. Each of the spacecraft weighs in at approximately 4,480 lbs (2,030 kilograms ) at launch and 2,370 lbs (1,080 kilograms) upon reaching their destination at medium-Earth orbit (MEO). A total of 12 satellites were successfully launch. Photos courtesy: Carleton Bailie
