DENVER, May 4, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Using a 10-ton crane,
Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] engineers and technicians gently
lowered the system module of the U.S. Air Force's first next
generation GPS III satellite into place over its propulsion core,
successfully integrating the two into one space vehicle.
GPS III space vehicle one (SV 01) is the first of a new,
advanced GPS satellite design block for the Air Force. GPS III will
deliver three times better accuracy, provide up to eight times
improved anti-jamming capabilities and extend spacecraft life to 15
years, 25 percent longer than the satellites launching today. GPS
III's new L1C civil signal also will make it the first GPS
satellite interoperable with other international global navigation
satellite systems.
The systems integration event brought together several major
fully functional satellite components. The system module includes
the navigation payload, which performs the primary positioning,
navigation and timing mission. The functional bus contains
sophisticated electronics that manage all satellite operations. The
propulsion core allows the satellite to maneuver for operations on
orbit.
"The final integration of the first GPS III satellite is a major
milestone for the GPS III program," said Mark Stewart, vice president of Lockheed
Martin's Navigation Systems mission area. "This summer, SV 01 will
begin Thermal Vacuum testing, where it will be subjected to
simulated harsh space environments. Successful completion of this
testing is critical as it will help validate our design and
manufacturing processes for all follow-on GPS III satellites."
Lockheed Martin is currently under contract to build eight GPS
III satellites at its GPS III Processing Facility near Denver, a factory specifically designed to
streamline satellite production.
The GPS III team is led by the Global Positioning Systems
Directorate at the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center.
Air Force Space Command's 2nd Space Operations Squadron (2SOPS),
based at Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado, manages and operates the GPS
constellation for both civil and military users.
Headquartered in Bethesda,
Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace
company that employs approximately 112,000 people worldwide and is
principally engaged in the research, design, development,
manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology
systems, products and services. The Corporation's net sales for
2014 were $45.6 billion.
Note to Editors:
GPS III video and
high-resolution images are available for download at
www.lockheedmartin.com/gps
Media Contact:
Chip Eschenfelder, 303-977-8375;
chip.eschenfelder@lmco.com
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SOURCE Lockheed Martin