Lockheed Martin has successfully completed a launch-simulation test on the second GPS III space vehicle (SV) built for the US Air Force (USAF).

During the acoustic testing carried out in a specialised test chamber equipped with high-powered horns, the GPS III SV02 satellite was continuously blasted with 140 decibels to verify its robustness.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Premium Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

The test was conducted to simulate the stress the satellite will experience during launch.

Lockheed Martin Navigation Systems vice-president Mark Stewart said: “With this launch-simulation test, we are talking about sophisticated, advanced satellite technology and electronics enduring tremendous forces and then working flawlessly afterwards.”

GPS III SV02 is the company’s second GPS III satellite to successfully complete acoustic testing.

The company’s first satellite, GPS III SV01, completed acoustic testing in 2015. It is currently in storage awaiting its expected launch date next year, Lockheed stated.

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.
“We are talking about sophisticated, advanced satellite technology and electronics enduring tremendous forces and then working flawlessly afterwards.”

The GPS III SV02 satellite will undergo Thermal Vacuum (TVAC) testing at the beginning of the fourth quarter and is anticipated to be delivered to the airforce early next year.

During TVAC testing, the satellite will be subjected to extreme cold and heat in zero atmospheres, simulating its on-orbit life.

The GPS III SV02 satellite forms a part of the USAF’s next generation of GPS satellites with three times better accuracy and up to eight times improved anti-jamming capabilities, Lockheed stated.

Lockheed Martin is contracted to produce a total of ten GPS III satellites for military use.

Production of these satellites is being carried out at the company’s GPS III Processing Facility near Denver, Colorado, US.