US Air Force Selects Lockheed Martin for Next GPS 3 Satellites

Rendering of GPS 3 satellite. Photo: Lockheed Martin

[Via Satellite 04-04-2014] The United States Air Force has awarded Lockheed Martin with a contract to complete production of the next two GPS satellites in its GPS 3 system. The more than $245 million contract will cover production costs for GPS vehicles seven and eight (SV 07-08), following the December 2013 contract issued to complete satellites SV05 and SV06.

Last year, Lockheed Martin tested the SV02 satellite and network communications equipment payload, demonstrating the satellite’s mechanical integration and validated interfaces. SV01, the first satellite in the series, is being prepared for final delivery to the Air Force.

The GPS 3 program replaces aging GPS satellites in orbits and improves capability in order to meet the demands of military, commercial and civilian users. The new satellites are expected to provide up to eight times improved anti-jamming capabilities and include enhancements to extend the satellite’s life up to 25 percent beyond the previous GPS block.