The Global Positioning System IIF satellite, developed and built by Boeing, is the next generation of GPS space vehicle. Credit: U.S. Air Force graphic

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Space Force awarded Boeing a $329.3 million contract to support operations of Global Positioning System satellites for the next 10 years. 

The contract, announced Dec. 20, is for on-orbit support of GPS 2F satellites, manufactured by Boeing.

The current constellation of 31 operational GPS satellites includes 12 of the 2F model. 

The GPS 2F satellites were launched between 2010 and 2016 to replace GPS 2A satellites that were launched between 1990 and 1997. In 2010 the U.S. Air Force selected Lockheed Martin to produce the newest generation called GPS 3. 

GPS 2F satellites were designed to operate for 12 years, but like many U.S. military and commercial satellites, they are projected to stay in service for years beyond their expected design lives.

Sandra Erwin writes about military space programs, policy, technology and the industry that supports this sector. She has covered the military, the Pentagon, Congress and the defense industry for nearly two decades as editor of NDIA’s National Defense...