Upgraded, Lockheed Martin built, GPS IIR-M satellite declared operational
07 Nov 2007
The satellite, designated GPS IIR-17M, is the fourth in a series of eight Block IIR-M satellites that bring new capabilities to military and civilian users of the GPS system. Each GPS IIR-M satellite features 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 satellite joins three IIR-M satellites and 12 other operational Block IIR satellites within the current 28-spacecraft constellation. The team is currently preparing the fifth GPS IIR-M satellite for its scheduled launch on 20 December 2007 from Cape Canaveral.
The Global Positioning Systems Wing, Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif. , is planning to launch the three remaining GPS IIR-M satellites next year, one of which will include a new demonstration payload that will temporarily transmit a third civil signal, known as L5.
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.
Lockheed Martin is also leading a team, which includes ITT and General Dynamics, in the competition to build the US Air Force's next-generation Global Positioning System, GPS Block III. The next-generation programme will improve position, navigation, and timing services for the war fighter and civil users worldwide and provide advanced anti-jam capabilities yielding improved system security, accuracy and reliability.
The Global Positioning Systems Wing, Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif. will award a multi-billion dollar development contract for such a system in early 2008.