Powering Up for GPS III

GPS tracking is now part of the daily life of people around the world. It comes standard in newer cars and cell phones. Law enforcement uses it to monitor parolees and track down criminals. Business owners use it to keep track of their merchandise, vehicles, and even employees. There are even international games that use the tracking capabilities of a Global Positioning System. But sustaining and maintaining such systems can be costly and quickly outdated.
Lockheed Martin and the United States Air Force have teamed up to develop an advanced GPS program for the future. The initial startup of the GPS III Non-flight Satellite Testbed (GNST) launches the program’s new pathfinder spacecraft with hopes to launch the entire system in 2014. LtCol Don Frew, the U.S. Air Force’s GPS III program manager said, “Our joint government and industry team is committed to delivering GPS III on schedule to sustain and modernize the GPS constellation for users worldwide.”
The GNST is a full-sized prototype the team has developed to work out the kinks of the system. Powering up this program allows developers to check initial mechanical integration and interfaces as well as perform hardware and software testing. All these tests reduce costs and ensure mission success. Keoki Jackson, Lockheed Martin‘s GPS III program director stated, “Our progress on the GNST is already saving the program money, eliminating risk early and providing highly reliable mission assurance for GPS constellation sustainment.”
If successful, the program will provide low risk and affordable constellation sustainment as well as meet the military, commercial, and civilian GPS tracking needs around the world. The GPS III takes normal GPS functions to a whole new level with more accurate positioning and timing. It also provides more secure anti-jam capabilities for an ever-changing technological world.
The team, which includes ITT in New Jersey, hopes to deliver the system to Lockheed Martin in Denver near the end of 2011 for assembly and initial testing; then the prototype will head to Cape Canaveral Air Force Station for intense pathfinding activities at the site where the satellite will eventually launch.
Lockheed Martin is well known for its GPS technology. It paved the way for today’s Global Positioning System with its Oscar and Nova satellites. Its IIR and IIR-M satellites represent the majority of the current operational GPS constellation systems. With a 99.9% reliability, Lockheed Martin is sure to meet the goals and aspirations of the GPS III, keeping the future on track.