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April 5th, 2018

Leidos Realizes FAA Contract for GEO-7 Satellite for the FAA's WAAS


Leidos (NYSE: LDOS) has been awarded a task order by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to develop the 7th Generation Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) satellite used for the FAA Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS).

The task order has a four-year development phase plus one 10 year Operations and Maintenance phase — the total contract value is approximately $117 million. The work will be performed in Gaithersburg, Maryland.


WAAS enables aircraft to rely on GPS for all phases of flight, including precision approaches to any airport within its service area.
The infographic is courtesy of the FAA.

The task order supports the WAAS, a safety-critical system that augments Global Positioning System (GPS) Standard Positioning Service (SPS). WAAS enables aircraft to rely on GPS for all phases of flight, including precision approaches to any airport within its service area.

Leidos, along with space-segment provider Intelsat General Corporation and technology partners U.S. Electrodynamics, Inc. (USEI) and Knight Sky, will develop, test and integrate a satellite payload for the program's new GEO-7 satellite and its associated pair of ground uplink stations. The stations then broadcast GPS navigation data that is corrected and enhanced for accuracy. Leidos will also manage the stations to ensure the satellite sends the augmented GPS navigation signals in line with WAAS requirements.

The GEO-7 payload is expected to launch in the first quarter of 2020. The system will enter its 10-year operational phase in 2021.

Fran Hill, the Leidos SVP of Transportation Solutions, said that for nearly 20 years, Leidos has partnered with the FAA to provide technology solutions that ensure the nation's airspace is safe and efficient for pilots and traveler. This award will allow the copmany to continue to deliver accurate, reliable signals and quality service for years to come.