Latest GPS Satellite Begins Operations

In the latest enhancement to the GPS constellation, Lockheed Martin [LMT] and the U.S. Air Force today completed in-orbit checkout of the upgraded GPS satellite that was launched June 23. The GPS IIR-12 satellite carries a high-performance antenna panel designed to provide greater signal strength.

With a growing emphasis on location-based services in the wireless world and future competition/cooperation from the European Union’s Galileo satellite navigation satellite system, keeping the U.S.-based GPS satellite constellation up to date with the latest technology is a must. And given the contracts that already have been issued to upgrade existing satellites waiting for launch, improvements to the GPS signal can be expected sooner rather than later. The next GPS satellite launch is scheduled for Sept. 22.