GPS III Prototype of Lockheed Martin Achieves Navigation Payload Testing

The team of engineers at Lockheed Martin, following the creation of next generation Global Positioning System III satellites has successfully conducted a major integration and test event on the GPS III Non-Flight Satellite Testbed (GNST), which is the program's satellite pathfinder.

This achievement shows that GPS III team is preparing to provide the first satellite with 2014-launch availability.

The new GPS Processing Facility (GPF) in Lockheed Martin enabled the engineers incorporate advanced atomic clocks for improved GPS accuracy, and the Mission Data Unit in Navigation Payload elements within GNST. The test was accomplished prior to integrating the full Navigation Payload Element. GPF will acquire this element during 2012 fall.

The GPS III program will enable the replacement of old GPS satellites in a cost-effective way. It provides increased precision and anti-jamming power besides improving the spacecraft's design life. With this new civil signal, efficient interoperability with international global navigation satellite systems can be achieved.

With information from earlier GPS programs, the Air Force started a ‘back-to-basics’ acquisition approach for GPS III. In this strategy, early investments in industry-leading parts standards as well as rigorous systems engineering have been highlighted. This will lead to reduced overall program costs, minimal risk, enhanced production predictability, and high mission assurance.

With advancement in the manufacture of first GPS III satellite, the team has incorporated the suggestions from GNST. It has detected early efficiencies such as identification of maximum cost savings for the production satellites using process improvements studied from GNST integration and test; and 50-80 % minimization in labor hours and defect rates between equivalent operations on the GNST and the first space vehicle.

Lockheed Martin received the contract for the design, development and manufacture of the GPS III Non-Flight Satellite Testbed (GNST) and the first two GPS III satellites in 2008. Global Positioning Systems is the leader of GPS III team.

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