With the Federal Aviation Administration’s Geosynchronous Earth Orbiting 5 Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) navigation payload getting operational and fully integrated into the WAAS network, FAA stands equipped with improved GPS coverage across the US.
Operational since 2003, WAAS increases GPS satellite signal accuracy from 10 meters to 1 meter, ensuring GPS signals meet rigorous air navigation performance and safety requirements for all classes of aircraft in all phases of flight.
The GEO 5 WASS is developed by Raytheon’s Intelligence, Information and Services business. Raytheon is the system integrator on the GEO 5 system, which includes a WAAS navigation payload on Eutelsat’s GEO satellite, two ComSAT ground sites, and SED Systems specialized equipment.
Along with two others already on orbit, GEO 5 will help in correcting GPS satellite signal ionospheric disturbances, timing issues, and minor orbit adjustments. This will provide giving users increased coverage, improved accuracy, and better reliability.
According to Matt Gilligan, Vice President, Raytheon’s Navigation, Weather and Services mission area, “GPS alone can’t meet the FAA’s stringent requirements for accuracy, integrity and availability. The WAAS network corrects even the slightest errors, and that provides peace of mind when it comes to safety of flight.”
