GPS-III

Lockheed Martin has awarded a contract to General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems to provide network communication systems for two more Global Positioning System (GPS) III satellites.

The $24.5m contract requires General Dynamics to supply network communication element (NCE) components, including the ground-to-space command and control channel, the space-to-space inter-satellite channel and the command and telemetry communications channels within each satellite.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Premium Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

The current contract pertains to the seventh and the eighth satellites (SV07 and SV08) while the company is already under contract for the first six.

The NCE contract for fifth and sixth satellites was awarded in March. Delivery of the NCE components for SV03 and SV04 are scheduled for this year.

"The current contract pertains to the seventh and the eighth satellites while the company is already under contract for the first six."

General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems vice-president and general manager of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Carlo Zaffanella said: "Our continued close work with Lockheed Martin on the GPS III programme, coupled with our in-depth mission understanding, allows us to provide the air force with the next-generation of reliable and affordable solutions to replace the aging constellation of GPS satellites currently in orbit."

See Also:

The US Air Force’s (USAF) GPS III satellites are being developed to replace the previous GPS infrastructure.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

In addition to having better accuracy and more powerful anti-jamming capabilities, the GPS III extends spacecraft life by 25%.

The GPS III-series satellites carry a new civil signal that is interoperable with other international global navigation satellite systems.

Lockheed Martin has received a contract from the USAF in April to complete the production of the seventh and eighth satellites. The contract for fifth and sixth was awarded in December last year.

Image: The US Air Force’s GPS III satellites are being developed to replace the previous GPS infrastructure. Photo: courtesy of Lockheed Martin.

Defence Technology