Officials from the Air Force Space Command’s Space and Missile Systems Center’s Global Positioning Systems Wing have just announced the award of the nexgen GPS Space System (GPS IIIA) prime contract—it’s Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company of Newton, Pennsylvania, with a period of performance of FY 08-17 and valued at $1,463,969,301. GPS III satellites will sustain the GPS constellation as the follow-on to GPS IIRM and GPS IIF satellites. GPS III implements an acquisition strategy that will provide capabilities in three increments (GPS IIIA, GPS IIIB, GPS IIIC). This strategy supports a “back-to-basics” program with a sound foundation of rigorous systems engineering and mission assurance, ensuring high confidence, low risk, and timely delivery of new capabilities to all users.
GPS IIIA, the subject of this award, will provide significant enhancements, including a new L1C (civil) Galileo-compatible signal, increased earth coverage Military-Code (M-Code) anti-jam power, and a graceful growth path to full warfighter capabilities. The GPS IIIA basic contract will consist of design and development of the first two space vehicles (SV-1 and 2), options for up to 10 additional production vehicles, and a Capability Insertion Program that matures technology for future increments.
GPS IIIB and IIIC satellites will be procured under follow-on efforts. GPS IIIB will enable a cross-linked command and control architecture, allowing these GPS III vehicles to be updated from a single ground station instead of waiting for each satellite to orbit in view of a ground antenna. GPS IIIC will fly a high-powered spot beam to deliver greater M-Code power for increased resistance to hostile jamming. Overall, these capabilities will contribute to improved accuracy, integrity, and assured availability for both civil and military users worldwide.
According to Colonel Dave Madden, Commander, Global Positioning Systems Wing, “We’re very excited about this award and have great reason for confidence. GPS IIIA boasts more capabilities than GPS IIR-M and IIF, with more power, a new civil signal, and a flexible design that builds upon the commercial heritage of Lockheed Martin’s bus line. This is a program that our nation truly needs and we’re ready to deliver!”—Los Angeles Air Force Base, El Segundo, California
