Modernized GPS Satellite Built By Lockheed Martin Launched From Cape Canaveral
- From: Sam Wormley <swormley1@xxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Fri, 21 Dec 2007 17:37:37 GMT
Modernized GPS Satellite Built By Lockheed Martin Launched From Cape Canaveral
http://www.gpsdaily.com/reports/Modernized_GPS_Satellite_Built_By_Lockheed_Martin_Launched_From_Cape_Canaveral_999.html
File image of a Delta II launch.
by Staff Writers
Cape Canaveral FL (SPX) Dec 21, 2007
A U.S. Air Force modernized Global Positioning System Block IIR (GPS
IIR-M) satellite, designed and built by Lockheed Martin, was launched
successfully from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station aboard a United
Launch Alliance (ULA) Delta II launch vehicle.
Designated GPS IIR-18M, the satellite is the fifth in a series of
eight Block IIR-M spacecraft that Lockheed Martin Navigation Systems
has modernized for its customer, the Global Positioning Systems Wing,
Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif.
The Block IIR-M series includes new features that enhance operations
and navigation signal performance for military and civilian GPS users
around the globe.
"The successful deployment of this high-performance satellite
represents another important milestone in the modernization of the
GPS constellation and reflects our commitment to achieving mission
success for our customer," said Don DeGryse, Lockheed Martin's vice
president of Navigation Systems. "Our team is now focused on
performing a rapid and efficient on-orbit checkout to quickly place
the satellite's advanced navigational capabilities into operational
service."
Representing the second successful GPS IIR-M mission in just two
months, the satellite joins four IIR-M satellites and 12 other
operational Block IIR satellites within the current 30-spacecraft
constellation.
Each IIR-M satellite includes a modernized antenna panel that
provides increased signal power to receivers on the ground, two new
military signals for improved accuracy, enhanced encryption and
anti-jamming capabilities for the military, and a second civil signal
that will provide users with an open access signal on a different
frequency.
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 (2 SOPS) at Schriever Air Force Base,
Colo., manages and operates the GPS constellation for both civil and
military users.
Lockheed Martin is also leading a team which includes ITT and General
Dynamics in the competition to build the U.S. Air Force's
next-generation Global Positioning System, GPS Block III. The
next-generation program will improve position, navigation, and timing
services for the warfighter and civil users worldwide and provide
advanced anti-jam capabilities yielding improved system security,
accuracy and reliability.
A multi-billion dollar development contract is scheduled to be
awarded by the Global Positioning Systems Wing, Space and Missile
Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif. in early 2008.
.
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