DENVER, Nov. 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Lockheed
Martin (NYSE: LMT) team developing the U.S. Air Force's next
generation Global Positioning System III satellites has
completed thermal vacuum testing for the Navigation Payload Element
(NPE) of the GPS III Non-Flight Satellite Testbed (GNST). The
milestone is one of several environmental tests verifying the
navigation payload's quality of workmanship and increased
performance compared to the current generation of satellites.
The GPS III program will affordably replace aging GPS
satellites, while improving capability to meet the evolving demands
of military, commercial and civilian users. GPS III satellites will
deliver better accuracy and improved anti-jamming power while
enhancing the spacecraft's design life and adding a new civil
signal designed to be interoperable with international global
navigation satellite systems.
"GPS III satellites have the most advanced navigation payloads
ever manufactured. This milestone is a key indicator that we
have a solid design and are on track to provide unprecedented
position, navigation, and timing capability for GPS users
worldwide," said Lt Col Todd
Caldwell, the U.S. Air Force's GPS III program manager.
During thermal vacuum testing, the navigation payload's
performance was proven in a vacuum environment at the extreme hot
and cold temperatures it will experience on orbit to ensure it will
operate as planned once in space. Following the test, the NPE will
now be integrated with the GNST for final satellite level
testing.
The GNST is a full-sized prototype of a GPS III satellite used
to identify and solve development issues prior to integration and
test of the first space vehicle. The approach significantly reduces
risk, improves production predictability, increases mission
assurance and lowers overall program costs. Following integration
and test at Lockheed Martin's GPS Processing Facility (GPF) near
Denver, the GNST will be shipped
to Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., for risk reduction
activities at the launch site.
"The completion of thermal vacuum testing on our first
navigation payload is a critical milestone for our program that
demonstrates we are on a solid path to meet our commitments," said
Keoki Jackson, vice president of
Lockheed Martin's Navigation Systems mission area. "The Air Force's
early investment in our GPS III pathfinder is now paying off and
will enable highly efficient and affordable satellite production
going forward."
Lockheed Martin is on contract to deliver the first four GPS III
satellites for launch. The Air Force plans to purchase up to 32 GPS
III satellites.
The GPS III team is led by the Global Positioning Systems
Directorate at the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center.
Lockheed Martin is the GPS III prime contractor with teammates ITT
Exelis, General Dynamics, Infinity Systems Engineering, Honeywell,
ATK and other subcontractors. Air Force Space Command's 2nd Space
Operations Squadron (2SOPS), based at Schriever Air Force Base,
Colo., manages and operates the GPS constellation for both civil
and military users.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md.,
Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that
employs about 120,000 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 2011 were $46.5 billion.
Note to Editors:
GPS III video and high-resolution
images are available for download at www.lockheedmartin.com/gps
Media Contact:
Michael
Friedman
303-971-7255
michael.1.friedman@lmco.com
SOURCE Lockheed Martin