Turnover OF GPS IIR-13 Successful
Lockheed Martin's GPS satellite,
launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, FL, November 6th,
has been declared fully operational for military and civilian
navigation users around the globe.
The GPS constellation now comprises 30 satellites and includes
12 fully operational Block IIR spacecraft built by Lockheed Martin
Space Systems in Valley Forge, PA. The GPS IIR satellites were
developed to improve global coverage and increase the overall
performance of the global positioning system.
"The successful launch and operational turnover of GPS IIR-13 --
the fourth IIR satellite declared operational this year -- is
testimony to the talent and determination of the joint industry/Air
Force team," said Dave Podlesney, GPS IIR program director,
Lockheed Martin Space Systems in Valley Forge, Pa. "We take great
pride in providing world class, high-performance GPS spacecraft at
rapid cycle times and look forward to delivering even greater
navigation capabilities as we begin to launch modernized spacecraft
next year."
The GPS IIR team is now gearing up for the launch of the first
modernized IIR satellite scheduled for liftoff in May 2005 from
Cape Canaveral. To further enhance the GPS constellation, Lockheed
Martin is modernizing the remaining eight IIR satellites for its
customer, the Navstar GPS Joint Program Office, Space and Missile
Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, CA.
These spacecraft, designated GPS IIR-M, will incorporate two new
military signals and a second civil signal, thus providing military
and civilian users of the navigation system with improved
capabilities much sooner than previously envisioned. The team is
also prepared to support a launch in March 2005 if required for
constellation sustainment.
The modernized navigation payload is being built by ITT
Industries in Clifton, NJ The satellite upgrades along with final
assembly, integration and test is being performed at Lockheed
Martin facilities in Valley Forge, PA.
The Global Positioning System enables properly equipped users to
determine precise time and velocity and worldwide latitude,
longitude and altitude to within a few meters. Air Force Space
Command's 2nd Space Operations Squadron (2SOPS), based at Schriever
Air Force Base, CO, manages and operates the GPS constellation for
both civil and military users.
Lockheed Martin is also leading a team to develop the US Air
Force's next-generation Global Positioning System, GPS III. The
team, which includes Spectrum Astro, Raytheon, ITT and General
Dynamics, is currently under contract for GPS III concept
definition and plans to compete for the future development.