Boeing Space and Communications has received approval from the U.S. Air Force to move forward with space vehicle production for the Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) IIF Modernization program.
The added capabilities include a new signal for civilian users and critical, secure Operational M-codes for the warfighter. The new civilian signal, in the protected Aeronautical Radio Navigation System frequency band, provides redundant safety of life services for civil aviation users and increased accuracy for a host of other users worldwide. In addition, GPS IIF is compatible with the U.S. Air Force’s Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) and will provide 20% more on-orbit life than previous GPS spacecraft. The Air Force chose the Boeing Delta IV to launch 21 of its 28 EELV payloads in October 1998.
Designed for flexibility and growth, the GPS IIF system architecture can affordably accommodate hardware and software changes through incremental technology upgrades to improve efficiency and introduce new military capabilities including anti-jam, greater accuracy, better availability and higher integrity. This incremental upgrade approach to the GPS IIF program will, in turn, reduce the technical risks inherent in developing GPS III, the next generation satellite system, as well as answer the near term needs of the warfighter today.
The Boeing-led Control Segment team that includes Lockheed Martin and Computer Science Corporation will also play a key role in this procurement with the modernization of the entire GPS ground system architecture design to reduce operator workload and operational costs.
