AURORA, Colo., Nov. 19, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon
Company (NYSE: RTN) successfully completed three preliminary launch
readiness events which are important milestones in preparing to
launch the modernized Global Positioning System (GPS) system.
The new system will benefit millions of people worldwide who rely
on GPS for its positioning, navigation, and timing
capabilities.
The three exercise events, completed over the summer,
demonstrated the maturity and readiness of Raytheon's
cyber-hardened Launch and Checkout System (LCS) to support the
launch of GPS III satellites. Part of Raytheon's GPS
Next-Generation Operational Control System (GPS OCX), LCS
capabilities will handle the full range of operations and
procedures for the launch and early checkout of GPS III
satellites.
When completed, the U.S. Air Force-led GPS Modernization Program
will yield new positioning, navigation, and timing capabilities for
both the U.S. military and civilian users across the globe. And
with its groundbreaking technology, GPS OCX will help ensure that
the system can meet evolving cyber threats.
"These events demonstrate the growing maturity and readiness of
Raytheon's ground system to support the launch of GPS III
satellites," said Matt Gilligan,
vice president of Raytheon Navigation and Environmental
Solutions. "LCS includes the cyber-hardened infrastructure
for incorporating the remaining OCX mission applications, and
represents a significant risk reduction for the overall
program."
The first event successfully demonstrated a number of the
capabilities needed to deploy GPS III satellites during launch and
checkout, including transferring orbits once in space,
configuration procedures, and an ability to handle anomalies the
satellites might face in space.
The second event demonstrated for the first time the ability to
switch contacts between multiple simulated U.S. Air Force Satellite
Control Network ground sites during their launch and early orbit
checkout period. Switching contacts between different ground sites
is necessary for commanding GPS III satellites and determining
orbits as they navigate around Earth.
The third event demonstrated first acquisition of the space
vehicle after launch, transfer orbit configurations, simultaneous
contacts, and handoffs from multiple simulated U.S. Air Force Space
Command Network (AFSCN) sites.
"The use of multiple preliminary events represent a novel,
iterative development approach to replace the more traditional use
of a few large exercises to test many new capabilities all at
once," added Gilligan. "Holding more frequent, smaller events
exercises system maturity and provides the opportunity for GPS
teams from different parts of the enterprise to stay current on
developing technology."
GPS OCX is being developed by Raytheon under contract to the
U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center, which is replacing
the current GPS operational control system. The OCX Launch and
Checkout System provides an early delivery of OCX capabilities
needed to support the GPS III satellite launches. LCS is currently
undergoing qualification testing in preparation for delivery to the
Air Force.
About Raytheon
Raytheon Company, with 2014 sales of $23
billion and 61,000 employees worldwide, is a technology and
innovation leader specializing in defense, security and civil
markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning
93 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission
systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing;
effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence
systems, as well as cyber security and a broad range of mission
support services. Raytheon is headquartered in Waltham, Mass. For more about Raytheon, visit
us at www.raytheon.com and follow us on Twitter @raytheon.
Media Contacts
Raytheon
Jo-Anne P. Sears
+1.571.250.1914
iispr@raytheon.com
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SOURCE Raytheon Company