A
Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite built by Lockheed Martin
Space Systems, Sunnyvale, Calif., was successfully launched today from
Cape Canaveral. This was the sixth successful launch of the
new-generation spacecraft, designated GPS IIR. The company has
delivered 14 more of these satellites to the U.S. Air Force Space and
Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif. for future
launches.
The satellite launched today, designated GPS IIR-7, will join 28
other operational GPS satellites now on orbit. This satellite will
improve global coverage and increase the overall performance of the
GPS constellation.
“With excellent working relationships, the Lockheed Martin/ITT/Air
Force Team has once again accomplished its mission of timely
sustainment of the GPS constellation,” said Dave Podlesney, Lockheed
Martin GPS program director. “Congratulations to all on a job well
done.”
The Global Positioning System allows any properly equipped user to
determine precise time and velocity and worldwide latitude, longitude
and altitude to within a few meters. Although originally designed as a
guidance and navigational tool for the military, GPS has proven
beneficial in the commercial and civil markets for transportation,
surveying and rescue operations.
The GPS IIR satellites are compatible with the current system and
provide improved navigation accuracy, achieved by using an ITT
Industries payload system. Additionally, increased autonomy, on-orbit
reprogrammability and longer spacecraft life are inherent in the
Lockheed Martin satellite design.
In related GPS IIR news, the Air Force-awarded contract to begin
development of modernization changes for up to 12 of the 14 GPS Block
IIR satellites that are currently in storage has proceeded through a
successful Preliminary Design Review. These satellites will
incorporate two new military signals and a second civil signal, thus
providing military and civilian users of the navigation system with
improved capabilities much sooner than previously envisioned.
In addition, the GPS IIR modifications will include increased
signal power and the ability to reprogram signals and power on orbit.
These improvements will provide for greater accuracy and better
resistance to jamming.
Work on this development contract will be performed at the Space
Systems – Valley Forge, Pa. and ITT Industries, Clifton, N.J.
facilities. Anticipated development completion date is September 2001
with launch availability by March 2003. The U.S. Air Force Space and
Missile Systems Center, El Segundo, Calif., is the contracting agency.
Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, headquartered in Denver,
Colo., is one of the major operating units of Lockheed Martin
Corporation. Space Systems designs, develops, tests, manufactures and
operates a variety of advanced technology systems for military, civil
and commercial customers. Chief products include space launch and
ground systems, remote sensing and communications satellites for
commercial and government customers, advanced space observatories and
interplanetary spacecraft, fleet ballistic missiles and missile
defense systems.
Headquartered in Bethesda, MD, Lockheed Martin is a global
enterprise principally engaged in the research, design, development,
manufacture and integration of advanced-technology systems, products
and services. The Corporation’s core businesses are systems
integration, space, aeronautics, and technology services. Lockheed
Martin had 1999 sales surpassing $25 billion.
